Gene Therapy Anyone?

The need for novel therapeutic approaches to cancer management has necessitated the development of experimental methods that breach familiar territory. As a result, several uncommon cancer therapies are being examined for their potential usefulness in cancer care. One such mode of treatment is gene therapy.

As with any other area of medicine, much of what is presently available to us has been developed by the sacrifices of our predecessors. A good example is childhood cancer, of which many types have seen significant improvements in survival rates. This has been the result of those who have volunteered for clinical trials that have provided important answers about cancer therapies.

Gene therapy is promising to provide significant solutions to many cancers today. However, the thought of altering the genetic material within a cell is unacceptable for some. Gene therapy involves replacing defective genes within a cell by incorporating normal versions or introducing genetic elements that modify the expression of abnormal genes.

This sounds rather simple, doesn’t it? However, would you volunteer for these kinds of experiments? If not, who should? For many this may be a last resort that they would gladly embrace. If we are not willing, then can we expect science to progress at the pace that we have become accustomed to and should we expect to be beneficiaries of the sacrifices of others?

These are tough questions and equally tough decisions to make. For some there are moral implications. For others it is a biological issue - one of unease with altering the genetic material of any species. What do you think? Join the discussion and let us know. Or participate in the poll on gene therapy.

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