The Aspects Of Gene Therapy

Gene Therapy consists of modifying the genes within somatic cells to treat or prevent a disease. The reason this is possible is because genes contain our DNA, which is what decides a huge part of a person and what they look like. When a gene is damaged or missing, it can lead to health issues making gene therapy an option for treatment or prevention. Humans have an estimated 20,000 to 30,000 genes in each cell since we get two copies of it from each parent . Gene therapy “can provide a new set of instructions for treated cells” making it “possible to correct such defects” (Funk). The only form at the moment of gene therapy is with body cells but hypothetically there is germline therapy where doctors will be able to modify gametes (reproductive cells). This would allow patients to transfer the modified genes to their descendents. The only gene therapy available currently is the somatic cell gene therapy and since it is fairly new the only way would be to participate in a clinical trial. Gene therapy seems simple but it actually needs a lot of research and trials until it can become a practical form of treatment. The human body is so complex that replacing a flawed or damaged gene can cause even more issues. “Gene therapy is currently being tested only for diseases that have no other cures”(US National).

ISSUES

Safety. Safety is something that can never be guaranteed, especially when it is a medical procedure. There are going to be risks whether it's open heart surgery or even something as simple as wisdom teeth removal. There are also different types of gene therapy. One type requires having bone marrow removed and is then “exposed to a virus or another type of vector that contains the desired genetic material”(Mayo). Then it is inoculated back into your body in hopes that your body will accept it. This is only one of the many ways that this procedure can be done and it still has long ways to go until it is safe for common use and effective. Some risks might consist of the body's system seeing the newly introduced viruses as intruders and attacking them. This also increases the possibility of inflammation and in severe cases organ failure. If the new genes get inserted in the wrong spot which may result in growth formation. “Several studies have already shown that this approach can have very serious health risks, such as toxicity, inflammation, and cancer”(U.S National). These are potentially very dangerous and can be worse than just dealing with the disease itself. Which is why most are very skeptical and it is only available with doing clinical trials.

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Germline Therapy Ethics. Germline therapy is altering the genes of unborn offspring using the parents gametes. This is a controversial procedure that will carry many risks. Since the offspring would be unborn at the time then doing a procedure that can carry many risks is very unethical. Considering that the offspring would have no say on whether they would have liked to take those risks considering that could potentially lead to birth defects or cancer. “Because of these ethical concerns, the U.S. Government does not allow federal funds to be used for research on germline gene therapy in people”(U.S National). So to even evolve in this research, will be difficult since there will most likely be lack of funding. Clearly meaning that it is going to take a longer amount of time to become a safe and effective procedure. “Many people worry that germline gene therapy could change the basic nature of human beings by altering their genetic makeup”(Funk). Over time this will most likely develop into something more than just diseases. Germline Therapy is going to start being used unnecessarily and is why it is such a huge concern. People from higher classes are going to start abusing this which will create further issues. Such as modifying the intelligence of their offspring which will give an unfair advantage against kids that are born naturally.

Testing. Humans can be very greedy and tend to do things that only benefit themselves. This involves gene therapy testing in animals and humans. It is obvious that gene therapy needs to be tested on animals similar to humans or humans themselves rather than something with different cellular components like plants. “Both human and animal research have been criticized for the ambiguity of certain regulatory criteria; appropriateness of regulations; weaknesses that allow for abuse; and poor enforcement of existing guidelines”(Ferdowsian).

OPINION

In my opinion from the information I have gathered, I have come to the conclusion that I am pro gene therapy. Although it is something that still needs a lot more research and is fairly new, it has potential in saving many lives. In my opinion, I think that there should be a limit because it can push into becoming immoral. Since this will obviously evolve for humans to be able to alter their appearance, intelligence or height. In the long run, this will result in inequality and people might start being less accepting of others that are “different.” Considering society has a very specific beauty standard this would lead to everyone having similar traits and the population losing uniqueness.The real question to ask would be who would decide what is moral and what is crossing the line? I believe that this is a bioethical decision that can be disputed by bioethicists themselves. In contrast, I think that if gene therapy has a chance in helping a disease such as cancer or preventing a disease that makes day to day life difficult then gene therapy is going to be a great option.There are always going to be risks just like most procedures it should depend on the patient on whether or not they are up for those risks. I personally am a risk taker that believes that doctors would try the best they can so that I would have the best results. Meaning that if I have Leukemia and it is to the point where it is life or death I am gonna take my chances and try gene therapy. Especially once it becomes a more developed procedure. In conclusion, I am pro gene therapy and think that as long as it is used ethically then I see no issue in it becoming a common procedure. In conclusion, I am pro gene therapy but with the inclusion of morals and regulations.

Works Cited

1. Ferdowsian, Hope. “Human and Animal Research Guidelines: Aligning Ethical Constructs
2. with New Scientific Developments.” Bioethics, vol. 25, no. 8, Oct. 2011, pp. 472–478.
3. EBSCOhost, doi:10.1111/j.1467-8519.2011.01923.x.
4. “Gene Therapy.” Funk & Wagnalls New World Encyclopedia, Jan. 2018, p. 1; EBSCOhost.
5. “Gene Therapy.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 29 Dec. 2017, www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/gene-therapy/about/pac-20384619.
6. “What Are the Ethical Issues Surrounding Gene Therapy? - Genetics Home Reference - NIH.” U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, 28 Apr. 202AD, ghr.nlm.nih.gov/primer/therapy/ethics.