Question

Treatment of Cancer

5. Biological therapy
b. Gene therapy:
-Experimental: currently_____
-General definition: _____

-This can be accomplished by (3)

-These genes are introduced via _____

Answer 1

Gene therapy is an experimental approach to treating diseases, including cancer, by introducing functional genes into the patient's cells using viral vectors. It shows promise in both replacing defective genes and correcting genetic mutations directly within the genome.

Step-by-step explanation:

Gene therapy is an experimental treatment that involves the introduction of genes into a person's cells to treat a disease, such as cancer. Generally, gene therapy aims to replace a defective gene with a functioning one, or to introduce a new gene to help fight a disease. This can be accomplished by:

• Direct delivery of therapeutic genes into the patient's cells (in vivo gene therapy).
• Using viral vectors such as retroviruses or adenoviruses to transport the genes.
• Gene editing to correct mutations at their original location in the genome, as seen with diseases like SCID.

The genes are generally introduced via viral vectors that deliver the functional DNA. Though still largely experimental, some gene therapy trials have shown success and this approach holds great potential for the future treatment of genetic diseases and cancer.