Oligonucleotides in the treatment of leukemia.

The use of synthetic oligonucleotides directed towards specific genes in the therapy of leukemias has evolved rapidly over the past 5 years to early clinical trials. Undoubtedly, use of these compounds for systemic therapy and bone marrow 'purging' will escalate. Such trials will be models for the treatment of many other malignant diseases and, indeed, non-malignant diseases which may be expected to respond to eradication of a specific gene function. We are currently at the threshold of a new era of therapy which holds the promise of totally transforming clinical medicine in the next decade.