The Pros And Cons Of Gene Therapy

In our modern world, medical techniques and practices are constantly advancing. Today scientists are discovering new, alluring and fascinating ways to treat diseases. In the mid nineteen seventies there were researchers found a way to isolate specific genes from DNA within chromosomes. By the nineteen eighties this became known as gene therapy. It is basically the use of DNA as a disease-treating drug. Gene therapy is an intricate method where defective genes are removed and then replaced by correct genes in order to treat a disease. Each of us is born with a unique set of chromosomes that contain genes. These genes code for our physical traits, personality traits, and even our long- term health. Sometimes there are genes that have an error or mutation in the DNA structure or sequence and it can lead to disease. Diseases related to genetic inheritance include sickle cell anemia and diabetes. Currently, in the United States, gene therapy is offered only as part of a clinical trial. The clinical trials are closely monitored by the Food and Drug Administration and the National Institutes of Health to ensure the safety of those who participate in the studies. Clinical trials of gene therapy in people have revealed some success in treating things such as severe combined immune deficiency, Hemophilia, blindness caused by retinitis pigmentosa and Leukemia.

In some cases, your immune system doesn't attack diseased cells because it doesn't identify them as intruders. Doctors could use gene therapy to train your immune system to recognize the cells that are a threat. Using gene therapy we can do away with these irritating diseases before they even present their first symptom. In this process, DNA that encodes a healing ...

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...ctrum of diseases from enzyme deficiencies to cancer or AIDS. I believe that one shouldn’t suffer if they don’t have to.

If somatic cell gene therapy was medically available for someone suffering, it should be used to help them.

I think the science of gene therapy will continue to advance in years to come. As an accountable citizen, I need to take note and be involved with the decision-making processes or gene therapy could lead to negative things. Recombinant DNA techniques need to be regulated. I do not want the practice of medicine or the human race to be negatively affected because of misuse. I also believe that whatever moral trespassing we entrust is not caused by the things that we learn, but what we choose. Researchers have almost handed us a life free of diseases like cystic fibrosis, cancer, and AIDS and that shouldn’t be taken for granted.