Description: Growth Factors as Drugs for Neurological and Sensory Disorders Chairman: John A. Kessler 1996 Several neurotrophic factors have been shown to promote the growth, survival and differentiation of neurons. This book brings together laboratory investigators and scientists involved in clinical trials to discuss the potential therapeutic use of these growth factors. Included are details of several trials currently underway involving growth factors as treatments for neurological disorders such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Alzheimer s Disease, post-polio syndrome and diabetic and drug-induced neuropathies. The relatively rapid pace at which neurotrophic factors are being brought into the clinical arena raises important questions involving scientific, practical and ethical issues: these are discussed. The book also looks at the latest animal studies examining the potential use of growth factors for promoting regrowth of nerves innervating sensory receptors in the eye, nose and ear. Finally, the technical problems of using growth factors as drugs are discussed. Various approaches to the problem of neurotrophin delivery are considered in detail, including new approaches based on the implantation of genetically engineered cells. Other Ciba Foundation Symposia: No. 157 Clinical applications of TGF- Chairman: M. B. Sporn 1991 ISBN 0 471 92811 9 No. 160 Regeneration of vertebrate sensory receptor cells Chairman: E. W. Rubel 1991 ISBN 0 471 92960 3

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