Track 8: Gene and Cell Therapy

Gene therapy and cell therapy are two advanced medical treatments that aim to treat or potentially cure diseases by manipulating cells or genetic material. Here's a breakdown of each:

1. Gene Therapy

Gene therapy involves altering or replacing a person's genes to treat or prevent diseases. This technique targets the root cause of certain genetic disorders by either repairing faulty genes, replacing missing or dysfunctional genes, or introducing new, healthy genes to the patient's cells. Gene therapy is still being studied and refined but shows promise for treating inherited disorders, cancers, and certain viral infections.

How it works:

• Gene Editing: Specific genes are edited or modified using technologies like CRISPR, which can "cut" and "paste" DNA.
• Gene Replacement: A healthy copy of a gene is introduced into the patient's cells to replace a defective one.
Gene Addition: A new gene is added to the patient's cells to help fight disease or restore a missing function.