Two studies presented in late-breaker sessions at the 52nd Annual Scientific Session of the American College of Cardiology [Chicago, US; March−April 2003] evaluated the efficacy of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene therapy in the treatment of cardiovascular disorders. In one of these studies, VEGF gene therapy appeared to improve myocardial perfusion in patients with coronary artery disease and angina pectoris. In the other, VEGF121did not show a significant effect, compared with placebo, in the treatment of intermittent claudication.