Porous block hydroxyapatite as a bone graft substitute in the correction of jaw and craniofacial deformities

Modulation of the immune system as an approach to attack cancer has been explored for the past 50 years. Efficacy of this treatment has been achieved in a limited number of patients. However, a major obstacle of immune therapy is the toxicity related to the nonspecific nature of immune activation. Efforts to improve the specificity of the immune response have been investigated through the use of gene therapy. Clinical trials involving gene therapy for melanoma, lung cancer, and head and neck cancer have been conducted by US Oncology at the Mary Crowley Medical Research Center–Baylor University Medical Center. These studies represent one of the most active gene therapy programs in the USA. Preliminary results have helped define the mechanism of action, safety, and potential efficacy of immune stimulatory treatment approaches in oncology.