Final answer:
The retroviral vector method is used in medicine for gene therapy, with advantages such as stable gene expression but disadvantages including the risk of insertional mutagenesis and immune responses.
Step-by-step explanation:
The retroviral vector method is a technique used in the field of medicine, specifically within the realm of genetic engineering and gene therapy. This method involves using modified viruses to deliver therapeutic genes to patients' cells. Retroviral vectors are advantageous because they can integrate genetic material into the host's genome, which can result in long-term and stable gene expression. However, there are disadvantages such as the potential for insertional mutagenesis, which can disrupt normal genes and potentially lead to cancer. Furthermore, the immune system may recognize and attack the viral vectors, resulting in an inflammatory response.
Antiretroviral drugs, on the other hand, are used to treat retrovirus infections, like HIV, by inhibiting the replication of the virus. In the context of gene therapy, retroviral vectors represent a promising tool to treat genetic diseases like severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), though this technology is still considered experimental and requires further refinements to address safety and effectiveness concerns.