The mandate of the Centre for Gene Therapeutics is to investigate the basic pathobiology of inflammatory, infectious and immune diseases. Procedures are then developed for the therapeutic application of genetic information for intervention in cancer immunotherapy, chronic infectious diseases and chronic disorders of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary and respiratory tracts.

Over the past year there has been significant progress in our studies of novel vectors for gene transfer, new vaccine approaches based on cell and gene-based systems, definition of gene responses crucial for maintenance of chronic inflammation and characterization of genes important in early host interaction with infectious organisms.

We are nearing completion of a cell and gene based vaccine clinical trial in melanoma and recently obtained significant support for a similar upcoming trial in breast cancer. We are a bench to bedside organization with translational application of the basic discoveries as an early goal in each of our divisions. We continue to enjoy the benefit of an outstanding cadre of investigators, postdocs, graduate and undergraduate students, technologists and staff, all of whom are dedicated to the success of the organization.

We have seen the rise of our new research building and are eagerly awaiting the completion of the facility by mid 2004. This will provide us with unparalleled opportunity and space and equipment to ensure that the Centre will move towards the development of multiple therapeutic interventions as rapidly as possible. However, not all happenings last year are "happy". We saw the early retirement of Dr. Frank Graham who is now in Italy, but who continues to collaborate and have significant input at all levels of the operation of the Centre. Thank goodness for email and internet communication. Makes it seem as if he is still here. Dr. Bill Muller moved to Montreal and McGill University to head up an initiative in oncogenesis and maintains interaction with the cancer division here at McMaster. We also saw the move of Dr. Mary Hitt to Edmonton where she has a position at the Cross Cancer center and who, like Frank, continues to collaborate and provide us with expertise and input for the progress of the GMP Vector facility. We are now in the process of recruitment in molecular virology, in time to coincide with our move to the new research facility.