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Australian Prescriber Vol. 20 No. 3 1997
Gene therapy
Scientists have identified some of the genes which can increase a person's chances of developing diseases such as diabetes or psoriasis. They have also discovered genes which, if altered (mutated), can cause conditions such as cystic fibrosis.
Researchers will use this new information to develop new tests to detect disease. They are also investigating if it is possible to treat diseases by changing the genes which cause them.
At present, gene therapy only has a role in one rare condition. Although research is continuing, it will be many years before we know if gene therapy can treat common conditions such as cancer.
