20/06/2023
Cell & Gene Therapy
Key Similarities and Differences
Cell Therapy and Gene therapy are cutting-edge approaches. They are transforming the field of modern medicine. Covering genetic disorders, cancer, to autoimmune conditions. These innovative therapies have the potential to treat a range of diseases.
Gene therapy involves the delivery of therapeutic genes. These correct genetic defects or regulate gene expression. Or, cell therapy uses living cells to restore or enhance cellular functions. Both therapies aim to affect underlying genetic or cellular dysfunctions. The goal is to provide long-lasting and curative treatments.
Let’s understand the difference between cell therapy and gene therapy. It is critical to appreciate the distinctive mechanisms and applications in modern healthcare.
Gene Therapy
Gene therapy is a technique used to try to treat or prevent disease. This includes restoring or fixing the protein when altering or mutating a gene. It has cured several diseases like cystic fibrosis, hemophilia, and sickle cell disease. It has also made breakthroughs in treating cancers or infections like HIV.
While there are a lot of positives, it can also be controversial. Treatments like this can spare a family from future generations inheriting diseases. But it could also affect the development of a fetus or have unknown side effects that last a lifetime. This type of therapy is germline gene therapy. The main concerns surround the lack of consent from the fetus.
Additionally, there are inherent risks associated with it. Since this therapy is still a new type of approach to treating patients, it has side effects. This includes developing types of cancer, allergic reactions, or damage to organs.
Cell Therapy
Cell therapy is an advanced medical technique. It uses living cells to treat diseases. These cells undergo selection and preparation for going into the patient’s body. It is used to help the patient’s body repair or replace damaged cells or tissues. The end result: enhancing the body’s natural healing abilities.
There are different types of cells that serve different functions. In cell therapy; stem cells or immune cells are used in their respective treatments. Cell therapy holds great promise for a wide range of diseases. This entails those affecting the blood, immune systems, and organs.
By harnessing the power of living cells, this therapy offers new hope for improved health and well-being.
A certain type of therapy is also controversial: stem cell therapy. The issues surrounding stem cell therapy are larger than science. Stem cell therapy uses cell extraction from embryos, damaging the embryo. An embryo is an early-stage development of an organism. For humans, this means an organism at 3-8 weeks of gestation or the period before becoming a fetus at 9 weeks.
Stem cell therapy remains a debated one, as religious individuals do not support the use of embryos in scientific development. But, stem cell therapy is being researched around the world and is legal in 31 countries. This has led to a special kind of medical tourism. Individuals flock to countries where the treatment is legalized.
Challenges and Future Directions
Although science is making advancements in modern healthcare, these systems need a refresh. There are high barriers for patients to access new treatments, even if they want to opt in. Ethics and patient awareness of medical literacy are necessary precautions. This will allow patients to make informed decisions.
Conclusion
Cell and gene therapy are exciting new approaches in modern medicine. These therapies show great promise for curing or treating illnesses. However, there are debates surrounding the ethics of two types of cell and gene therapies. With more research, these therapies could transform healthcare.
