The Benefits of Genetic Therapy

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Every living thing is the product of the genes that were passed down from ancestors. Genes make up everything we are. One gets their traits from their parents. Most people live full lives with relatively good health. However, some people inherit mutated genes or faulty genes. This could lead to genetic disorders that could be life threatening. Even today, many genetic disorders still remain incurable, leaving many people without hope. Genetic therapy could be their answer. It is through this research that the cure for genetic disorders can be found. Though some people believe it is unethical or immoral to alter genes, current therapeutics have not been able to save the lives of the patients with these diseases. Genetic therapy for medicinal use is necessary because it will prove vital in saving lives of those stricken with a genetic disorder.

The Human Genome Project is the key behind any advancement in genetic therapy. The goal behind this project is to identify all of the human genes and successfully map and sequence the human genome. This research is very significant because the data found in this research will be used to find and possibly cure genetic disorders. More than five thousand monogenic disorders have been found in humans. Many of which do not have a sure-fire cure at the present time. Thus information gathered through the efforts of the Human Genome Project is essential in order to derive gene-altering cures for genetic disorders.

Upon completion of the Human Genome project, and the information can be translated and understood, testing for certain genetic disorders can occur. According to the article titled “Genetics is the Future of Medicine” by Joseph D’Allegro, testing for disorders should...

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...al.” Technology Review (Jan./Feb. 2001) 72-8

Zoroya, Gregg. “Ray of Hope.” Washingtonian (June 1997) 161-6

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Adelman, Ken. “Changing who we are.” Washingtonian v. 35 no. 11 (2000): 25-28.

Baccheta, Matthew. “Contemporary Ethical Analyses: A Shortfall in Scientific Knowledge.” Politics and the Life Sciences (Mar. 1998) 11-12

Bezold, Clement. “Health Care Faces a Dose of Change.” The Futurist (April 1999) 30-33

Daniel, Caroline. “Human Genetics: the dinner-party guide.” New Statesman v. 127 (1998): page 30.

Group of advisers of the European Commission. “The Ethical Implications of Gene Therapy.” Politics and the Life Sciences (Aug. 1995) 267-6

Kmiec, Eric B. “Gene Therapy.” American Scientist (May/June 1999) 240-7

Thompson, Larry. “Human Gene Therapy: Harsh Lessons, High Hopes.” FDA

Consumer (Sept./Oct. 2000) 19-24

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