ABSTRACT
The rapidly evolving field of genomics and the resources provided by the Human Genome Project have generated great enthusiasm for translating these advances into clinically realizable gains. Gene therapy has been exploited as a novel modality to treat recalcitrant and conventionally untreatable diseases, ranging from inherited disorders such as cystic fibrosis to cancer. Additionally, gene therapy provides a more physiological ability to affect disease and has expanded the spectrum of current therapeutics. In most cases gene therapy application is specific and minimally invasive compared to alternatives using conventional therapy. Concomitant with the developments in genomics are significant advances in biomedical research.This has resulted in the development of a diverse range of gene delivery vehicles, capable of efficiently and specifically transferring therapeutic genes to their respective target tissues. Uterine transfection in animal models appears to be safe, efficient, and reproducible and, in preliminary trials, gene therapy has proven efficacious. The human uterus has also
proven to be amenable to efficient gene transfection. Gene therapy to the human uterus is likely to expand the spectrum of therapeutics to disorders that are incompletely understood and therefore inadequately treated by conventional means such as embryo implantation defects and habitual abortion. Advances in therapeutic capability may alter the way in which uterine neoplasia, functional bleeding, and contraception are treated as well. Every new advance is accompanied by adverse reactions that are either predictable or unforeseen and need to be considered prior to the incorporation of this novel advance in translational medicine.
