What is gene therapy?

Gene therapy – A revolution in the field of medicine

Gene therapy is a medical approach that involves altering or replacing faulty genes with healthy ones to treat or prevent the development of genetic disorders or diseases. This emerging field of medicine has the potential to revolutionize the way we treat and cure diseases by targeting the root cause of the problem rather than just treating the symptoms.

Types of gene therapy

There are two main types of gene therapy: somatic gene therapy and germline gene therapy.

• Somatic gene therapy involves targeting the genes of specific cells in the body, such as blood cells, to treat or cure diseases. This approach does not affect the patient’s offspring as the changes are not passed on to the next generation.
• Germline gene therapy involves altering the genes in reproductive cells, such as eggs and sperm, to prevent the transmission of genetic disorders to future generations.

Current status of gene therapy

There are currently several gene therapies that have been approved by regulatory agencies such as the FDA for the treatment of various diseases, including rare diseases, genetic disorders, certain types of cancer, and inherited eye diseases. However, there are still many challenges to overcome in the development and delivery of gene therapies, including safety concerns, ethical considerations, and the high cost of treatment.

Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai has a well experienced team of genomic medicine specialists including a genetic counsellor. We help individuals with genetic disorders and are actively involved in creating awareness among the masses for the detection & prevention of genetic diseases.

Contact 022 6280 6280 or visit Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai for more details.

In conclusion, gene therapy holds great promise as a revolutionary approach to treating and curing diseases. Although it is still in the early stages of development, ongoing research and clinical trials will likely lead to the development of more effective and accessible gene therapies in the future.