GENE THERAPHY

INVOLVES ALTERING THE GENES INSIDE

YOUR BODY'S CELLS IN AN EFFORT TO
TREAT OR STOP DISEASE

HOW DOES IT WORK?

(ADVANTAGE)

Gene therapy replaces a faulty gene or adds a new

gene in an attempt to cure disease or improve your
body's ability to fight disease.

WHAT CAN IT DO?

(ADVANTAGE)

Gene therapy holds promise for treating a wide range

of diseases, such as cancer, cystic fibrosis, heart
disease, diabetes, hemophilia and AIDS.

HOW TO AVAIL IT?

(NEUTRAL)

Currently, the only way for you to receive gene therapy

is to participate in a clinical trial.

IS IT WORTH IT?
(NEUTRAL)

Researchers are still studying how and

when to use gene therapy.

WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES?

(DISADVATAGE)

Unwanted immune system reaction

Your body's immune system may see the newly
introduced viruses as intruders and attack them. This
may cause inflammation and, in severe cases, organ
failure.

Targeting the wrong cells

Because viruses can affect more than one type of cells,
it's possible that the altered viruses may infect additional
cells — not just the targeted cells containing mutated
genes. If this happens, healthy cells may be damaged,
causing other illness or diseases, such as cancer.