This paper explores genetherapy, a set of approaches to the treatment of human disease based on transfer of genetic material (DNA) into an individual or the introduction of genetic material into cells for therapeutic purposes.
Abstract As genetherapy has moved from the laboratory into the clinic, several issues have emerged as central to the development of this technology: gene identification, gene expression and gene delivery. The author of this paper points out that genetherapy is a method for the treatment or prevention of disease that utilizes genes to provide the patient's cells with the genetic information necessary to produce specific therapeutic proteins needed to correct or combat disease. The paper also introduces genomics research, which seeks to map the human genome, or total DNA content of the human cell.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Background and Direction
Potential
Other GeneTherapy Directions
From the Paper "Genes are segments of deoxyribonucleic acid ("DNA") present in each cell in the body, which provide the information cells use to produce protein. Protein production begins in the nucleus of the cell when the gene is copied or "transcribed", resulting in the creation of a form of ribonucleic acid ("RNA") known as "messenger RNA." Specific DNA sequences called "promoters" control the extent of copying (transcription) of genes. Messenger RNA then moves from the nucleus of the cell into the cell's cytoplasm, where it is "translated" by the cell into protein. The process of transcription and translation that results in protein production by the cell is called "gene expression". The absence or defective structure of specific genes may change the composition or pattern of proteins expressed by the cell, causing certain inherited diseases such as cystic fibrosis and muscular dystrophy as well as acquired diseases such as cancer."
Abstract The writer defines what genetherapy is - whereby cells are provided with new genetic material. It lists its advantages in the medical field especially in the treatment of cancer. The paper discusses the two main forms of genetherapy - in vivo and in vitro and looks at how the therapy is performed.
From the Paper "One of the most important applications for gene therapy is as a potential cure for cancer. Cancer is a disease that occurs at the genetic level, with damaged genes being the cause of cancer. With genes being the cause of cancer, gene therapy is the most direct treatment approach. It gets to the base of the problem. Gene therapy is the process of providing cells with new genetic material. Cells can be provided with healthy copies of genes or the part of the gene that is damaged, or cancer cells can be delivered new genetic material that will allow them to be destroyed. There are two forms of gene therapy, in vitro and in vivo. The most common form is in vitro, which is where the targets cells are removed from the patient and then reinfused (Lewis, Heitkemper & Dirksen, 2000)."
Abstract A study of genetherapy, which is the new area for expansion in medicine that holds a lot of potential while having its basic problems associated with all innovative technologies. The paper explains that the technology is still under development and subjected to considerable review but the products of genetherapy are highly in demand as medicine alone cannot hope to cure all diseases especially those related closely to genetic disorders. The ethics and the problems, technical and economical have been considered.
From the Paper "The currently post-modern amalgamation of nations previously isolated, but now unified by the veins of modern express transport, entails a global society of different individual cultural strengths pooled together to create a single entity for the purposes of exploiting the maximum potential of human achievement. However, this event that has fortified the world's population with regard to economy and technology has unfortunately exposed mankind's greatest weakness, while it being, simultaneously, its greatest strength: the homogeneity of human biology. This allowed diseases, once secluded and endemic to certain geographical zones alone, to spread giving rise to pandemics. Therapeutic solutions in medicine has also exploited this homogeneity to create and mass-produce cures for the entire population, non-selectively."
Abstract This paper examines methods of treating cancer using genetherapy techniques. The writer describes cancer and the methods of cancer treatment most commonly used, and explains that genetherapy is so new, and evidence of its effectiveness so scarce, that it is not a common treatment. However, researchers are enthusiastic about its possibilities. The writer discusses the P53 gene, which has been identified as an important tumor suppressor gene on which to focus genetherapy, and the current challenge presented by the necessity of delivering genes to an exact location in the patient's DNA. The ethical issues arising from the use of genetherapy are also discussed.
Outline:
Introduction
Background
Cancer and genetherapy Recommendations
Conclusion
From the Paper "There are also bioethical issues that are associated with gene therapy, which this current investigation must also consider. In terms of science and medical technology, there are good sides and bad sides to progress, and the overall theme in most of the exhaustively recovered secondary texts examined by the current report, if there is one, is that science can only really be good for society when it is practiced responsibly and with a foundation of bioethics. People still try to guess about the future of science, technology and society and how they will interact, just as authors have guessed about this fascinating subject for many years in the past. But realistically, the cure for cancer may not yet be found."
Abstract This paper summarizes Thomas Lee's description of the four different types of genetherapy as a springboard to discussing some of the ethics and social implications of the different genetherapy techniques. The different types of therapies discussed in this paper are somatic therapy, germ line therapy, enhancement therapy and eugenics.
From the Paper "Using genes to treat and correct illness is a very exciting and potentially perilous new application of genetics. It would not be surprising in the next five years to see Medical Genetics Departments in every hospital. In Gene Futures, Thomas Lee outlines the four categories of therapy that are possible."
Abstract This paper discusses the social issues regarding genetherapy. The author offers an argument advocating genetherapy. It describes what genetherapy is and its use. The paper also explores the controversy surrounding genetherapy and attempts to explain why the benefits outweigh the risks.
From the Paper "The use of gene therapy for remedial purposes and otherwise has been a controversial topic for quite some time. It was developed in 1980, and since then, the technology has increased, and we have seen many major advances in this field. Gene therapy could prove to be very useful in curing fatal diseases and conditions, but we, as ethical human beings, must be very careful in the development of such techniques as it can be used for unnecessary and unethical purposes, such as the enhancement of human traits."
Abstract This paper explains the term germline manipulation and discusses this method of genetic engineering. Gene manipulation techniques are discussed, as well as the challenges and uncertainties that genetherapy might bring with its advantages. The paper studies the laws and rights governing germline manipulation in countries such as Canada and China. With the view that germline manipulation represents an infinite potential for treating genetic diseases such as Huntington's, the paper advocates more flexible laws, support and research so that future generations can reap the benefits that germline technology has to offer. This paper includes figures.
Outline:
Comparison of Gene Manipulation Techniques
What is Nuclear Cloning?
Use of Animals
Techniques Used
Hope For Huntington's disease
Opposition
Fearing the Future
Opportunity to Cure
Laws and Rights
An Open future
Recommended readings
From the Paper "The strongest drive built into every living organism is survival, consequently it should be of no surprise that we want to be healthy and live longer. Life is a tricky term to define. If we do attain the power of immortality by engineering our genes to keep replicating indefinitely, then will we still be alive? Then again cancer cells replicate indefinitely, yet ironically their immortality leads to our death. Such are the reasons why one must take caution when approaching newly developing technologies like germline therapy."
Abstract Genetherapy - the medical term for the manipulation of genes - promises to allow the curing of diseases and growing of organs, thus saving thousands of lives every year. This paper looks at the history of genetherapy, views of both sides of the genetherapy controversy and its potential uses for the future.
From the Paper "While it looks very promising on paper there are many concerns about gene therapy and what it will mean to mankind, physically, emotionally and economically(Risk, 2002). Clinical trials have been halted in the US after trials in France caused several deaths in young people from causes other than the disease they started out with (Schieszer, 1996). One 18 year old died of a severe gene reaction that occurred when the gene therapy was started and others have developed leukemia where there was none there to begin with(Schieszer, 1996). Gene therapy is uncharted territory in every sense of the word and there are many things that are not known about the long term effect of using it. Medical scientists are working to discover all the things that might go wrong but there is a huge financial push to get the therapy through the various hoops and approved for use(Schieszer, 1996)."
Abstract This paper examines the concept of genetherapy in sports medicine. Genetherapy is perceived as the next wave of accepting illegal hormones for competition athletes. At this point in time, there are no regulations on genetherapy and it is perfectly acceptable to use this controversial treatment in competition sports.
Abstract This paper discusses genetherapy and genetic enhancement. The author explains the difference between the two and describes why genetherapy and genetic enhancement technology are gaining momentum in today's technological world. The paper then discusses the pros and cons of engineering traits in children and offers examples of why genetherapy and genetic enhancement should or shouldn't be considered.
From the Paper "Should genetic enhancement be practices to improve certain traits of an unborn child such as beauty, intelligence, strength, height, and athleticism? In a world of fast paced living and always striving to be better than the next generation, genetic enhancement is in the shadows, waiting to emerge into the greatest, possibly the most dangerous new technology. Gene therapy (technique used to correct genes that cause disease development) is becoming more popular with parents and others wanting their loves one to be "normal" and have a chance to live a long successful life."
Abstract This paper reviews the article 'The Still Unread Book of Life' by Margaret Munro in which she outlines what she perceives to be the shortcomings and dangers of genetherapy. In particular she argues that genetherapy will not cure all possible diseases any time soon, if ever. The paper discusses how linked to that issue she points out the great potential for human beings to be manipulated by for-profit companies, gene merchants in her terminology.
Abstract This paper argues that genetic engineering should be permitted in certain cases. The paper discusses some of the reasons for the resistance to any kind of genetic engineering. The paper then presents a case of a four year old girl who became the first patient to receive genetherapy and describes the resulting improvement in her and her parents' quality of life. The paper uses this case to discuss the potential benefits of using genetherapy.
From the Paper "Furthermore, focusing research efforts and publicity on non-life saving genetic modifications, perhaps most damningly, has proved to be a powerful distraction from the real, life-saving potential of innovations in the technology. Because of fears of cloning, or building a super race, research into the abuse of some of the potentially life-sustaining ways genetic engineering can be used has come under question. To end such potential abuses, scientists conducting research into this technology should set voluntary ethical guidelines for themselves. There is certainly a precedent for this within the field of medicine, that of the Hippocratic oath. Scientists dealing with the dangers and the benefits of modifying the genetic code should construct a similar oath for themselves, before the less knowledgeable governing bodies of the nations of the world attempt to do it for them, and limit all genetic engineering research out of fear."
Abstract The paper discusses how oncology nurses are no longer just providing supportive care but they are actively involved in every stage of genetherapy. The paper describes how nurses' roles include recruiting patients, administering the genetherapy, advocating and providing psychosocial care to patients and their family, and contributing valuable clinical information for pharmocogenetic researchers.
From the Paper "The maxim 'prevention is better than cure' is appropriate in the management of cancer as research reveals that at least one third of all cancers are preventable. [Michele Gaguski, 2006] In this regard, the advancements in genetics and the development of the new field of genetic nursing practice come into play. Over the last decade, and particularly in the last few years, there has been a paradigm shift with gene therapy already making significant inroads in the fight against cancer. By 2020, it is expected that around 50% of all drugs in the US and Europe would be biopharmaceuticals (genetically engineered) and nursing staff would be in charge of delivering them under varied clinical settings. [Teri Capriotti, 2001] This has a profound effect on the role of the oncology nurse."
Tags: care, screening, psychosocial, support, prevention
This paper discusses genetherapy, the correcting mutant genes: Research, controversies, types (somatic, germ line, eugenic), benefits and drawbacks, privacy, public attitudes and ethics.
3,375 words (approx. 13.5 pages), 14 sources, 1991, $ 119.95
From the Paper "The concept of "gene therapy" has gained significance over the past few decades and is based on the assumption that genetic disease can be treated through directing treatment to the actual mutant gene rather than to the external effects of mutation. The goal of human gene therapy is to replace, correct, or augment the content of mutant genes in defective cells by introducing normal genetic sequences . Considerations and impacts of significance that accrue from the progress of the revolutionary and controversial science of human gene therapy will be discussed. Emphasis will be on the ramifications for medical and public policy, for the rights and feelings of the genetically handicapped, and for the predicted direction of eugenics aside from that of genetic diseases. "
Abstract Advances in molecular biology and genetic engineering have permitted numerous technological advances. Human genetherapy involves the introduction of human gene material with a genetically altered virus as a vector to be implanted in a human being, fundamentally altering their genetic structure. This new technique will become increasingly common as it is used to both cure and prevent disease.
