This book offers an updated overview of the most recent research advances in the field, a comparison of established techniques and methods, a discussion on current experimental and translational challenges, and a commentary on potential opportunities and future directions.
Dedicated chapters address and review the preclinical and clinical state-of-the-art of gene therapies for the reconstructive and regenerative surgery of skin and wounds, pathological scars, cartilage, tendons, skeletal muscles, and bio-engineered flaps. A brief guide to developing gene therapy clinical trials in the context of reconstructive and regenerative surgery is also provided.
Biomedical and technological innovations are transforming our capacity to use gene therapies to safely and effectively repair, reconstruct, and regenerate tissues that are deficient or have been damaged by trauma and diseases. The targeted and controlled modulation of gene expression in tissues represents a game-changing, next-generation therapeutic tool for the modern reconstructive surgeon, expanding the horizon of regenerative surgery and tissue engineering. Through gene therapies, surgeons can direct (stem) cell differentiation and cell function, modulate the release of growth/transcriptional factors, affect the biological properties of regenerative scaffolds, control tissue inflammation, or induce immune-suppression in composite tissue allotransplants and xenotransplants.
Written by renowned reconstructive surgeons and leading experts in each of these fields - from top academic institutions around the globe, the book provides an initial practical guide for veteran and newcomer surgeons alike, as well as for researchers interested in exploring the latest gene-based therapeutic strategies for reconstructive and regenerative surgery.
Dr. Giorgio Giatsidis received his medical degree from the San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy in 2009. From May 2010 - May 2015, he worked as plastic surgery resident, as post-doctoral research fellow (in the field of tissue engineering and regeneration) and as teaching assistant and tutor at the Padova University, Italy. Since 2013, Dr. Giadsidis is also a post-doctoral research fellow at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA. Starting in January 2014, he works at the Children`s Hospital of Boston, USA, as post-doctoral research fellow in the field of wound healing, stem cells and tissue regeneration.
Dr. Giatsidis is one of the presidents of the junior working and national delegate for Italy in the European Association of Plastic Surgeons (EURAPS).
