What is Gene Therapy and How Does it Work

Gene therapy is a type of cancer cell therapy in which researchers modify the DNA and genetic activity of immune cells or cancer cells. Researchers are additionally investigating the tumor microenvironment of different types of tumors to determine how they form and what distinguishes cancer cells from healthy tissue. 

Gene therapy in India involves replacing a damaged gene or adding a new gene in an attempt to cure disease or increase your body’s ability to fight disease. Gene therapy has the potential to treat a wide range of ailments, including cancer, cystic fibrosis, heart disease, diabetes, hemophilia, and AIDS.

The Cost of Gene Therapy in India is quite affordable as compared to other developed countries. India has provided Gene Therapy for a variety of diseases, allowing individuals to recover quickly from their genetic condition. India has a high success rate, and our procedures are incredibly safe.

 What is Gene Therapy?

When a gene is damaged, this is referred to as a “mutation”. This can result in a gene mutation and an uncontrollable cell growth. Cancer can develop when cells grow too quickly or uncontrolled. Keep in mind that cancer does not evolve in this manner, but rather through a complex succession in order of numerous mutations. These mutations can be produced by factors such as smoking or environmental exposure, or they can be inherited (given down from your parents). 

Gene therapy is a form of experimental medicine that uses genetic material to treat or prevent certain diseases. While not now frequently available, gene therapy may one day help doctors treat diseases by directly replacing the disease-causing gene.

Gene Therapy in India is being studied in clinical trials for the treatment of cancer, age-related macular degeneration and other eye diseases, specific genetic challenges and HIV/AIDS. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has currently approved one gene therapy drug, Luxturna®. It  is used to treat inherited retinal (eye) disorders.

What are the Types of Gene Therapy Available in India?

Gene therapy aims to manage a cancer’s modified genes or genetic alterations in order to prevent the cancer from spreading. Somatic gene therapy refers to using our own cells and genes to treat cancer. Because this type of gene therapy does not affect germ-line cells in the reproductive system, no genetic modifications can be passed on to other family members.

Depending on the type of cells treated, there are two types of gene therapy in India:

• Somatic gene therapy: It is the process of transferring a portion of DNA to any cell in the body that does not produce sperm or eggs. Gene therapy’s effects will not be passed down to the patient’s children.
• Germline gene therapy: It is the process of transferring a segment of DNA to cells that generate eggs or sperm. Gene therapy’s effects will be passed down to the patient’s children and future generations.

How does Gene Therapy in India Perform?

Gene therapy in India is performed by replacing or inactivating disease-causing genes. In some circumstances, gene therapy involves the introduction of new genes into the body in order to treat a specific condition.

Best Oncologists in India use gene therapy to transfer a healthy copy of a gene to cells within the body. This healthy gene can either replace a damaged (mutant) gene, inactivate a mutated gene, or introduce a whole new gene.

Carriers, also known as “Vector”, transmit healthy genes into cells. In most cases, the vectors are modified viruses that do not cause disease. Vectors may also be bacteria or circular DNA molecules (plasmid DNA). Additional ways for packaging and delivering genetic material are being actively researched, including the use of nanoparticles, encapsulating lipid molecules, and the use of electric currents.

Vectors are introduced into the body through either injection or intravenous (IV) infusion. In some circumstances, doctors extract cells from a patient, add vectors in a laboratory, and then inject or IV infuse the vector-containing cells back into the patient’s body.

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What are the Benefits of Gene Therapy?

Gene Therapy can serve as a potential alternative for enhancing disease regeneration when no other effective treatment is available. The number of injections required to cure most diseases is fairly minimal and costs significantly less than conventional treatments, while simultaneously having long-term effects, for example, conditions treated once by gene therapy are gone for life. 

One of the most significant advantages of gene therapy in India is that removing harmful genes from future parents’ bodies eliminates the possibility of their future child developing the same ailment. Moreover, as time progresses and the technology gets advanced, gene therapy is becoming more effective and safe.

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What are the Risks Associated with Gene Therapy in India?

There are some Potential Risks Associated with Gene Therapy in India. It is difficult to implant a gene directly into your cells. It must usually be conveyed by a carrier known as a vector.Viruses are the most commonly used gene therapy vectors because they can recognise specific cells and insert genetic material into the cells genes. The researchers delete the virus’s original disease- causing genes and replace them with the ones required to stop disease.

The following risks are associated with this technique:

• Unwanted immune system reaction
• Targeting the wrong cells
• Infection caused by the virus
• Possibility of causing tumor