Gene Therapy

Gene therapy is a medical technique that involves altering the genes inside an individual’s cells to treat or prevent disease. By correcting or replacing dysfunctional genes, gene therapy aims to address the underlying causes of genetic disorders rather than just alleviating symptoms. This approach can involve various strategies, such as inserting a healthy copy of a gene, repairing a malfunctioning gene, or disabling a gene that is causing disease.

Gene therapy can be used to target a wide range of conditions, including inherited disorders, some types of cancer, and viral infections. The methods employed may include the use of vectors (often viruses) to deliver therapeutic genes into cells, as well as newer technologies like CRISPR for gene editing.

The ultimate goal of gene therapy is to provide long-lasting, and potentially curative, treatment options. However, gene therapy is a complex and evolving field that raises ethical, regulatory, and safety considerations due to its potential for permanent changes to the human genome.