The Benefits of Gene Therapy:
- Several significant, common genetic disorders that affect humanity can only be resolved by replacing defective genes with healthy copies. Genetic therapy is currently the only method of performing this type of procedure for genetic disorders, and therefore, there is only one way of curing the disease – replacing the defective gene with a healthy copy –meaning gene therapy is the only hope of finding cures for such disorders
- If it is achievable for gene therapy to target the reproductive cells of genetic disorders as cystic fibrosis, Parkinson’s disease, or cancer, it is possible that any children the carrier goes on to have would be free of the defective gene and potentially the disease can be entirely removed.
- As opposed to treatments that ease symptoms, when successful, gene therapy entirely cures patients.
Issues based on the science behind gene therapy:
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- As previously discussed, gene therapy is a new form of curing disease, and therefore without proper testing, in fields such as germline gene therapy, long term affects for patients are unknown. The current scientific understanding is based on assumptions rather then proof. This, however, can be changed with more time, research and practice.
- In several instances of clinical trials already carried out, effects of the treatments did not last long periods of time. To achieve long term results much more research is needed.
- Current technology does not allow scientists to have certainty that vectors end up in designated areas. This causes a risk of resulting in even more damage to the genetic make-up that can result in severe consequences for the patient
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