Gene therapy describes the treatment of a disease by transfer of DNA or RNA into the patient. This technique has had some success in treating a few diseases, but for the most part is still in the primarily experimental phases of development.

Gene Therapy
This Scope Note from the Joseph and Rose Kennedy Institute of Ethics at Georgetown University covers the history, techniques, candidate diseases, and arguments for and against gene therapy. It also has an extensive biobliography on the topic.
NCI Fact Sheet
This page from the National Cancer Institute answers frequently asked question about gene therapy.
Gene Therapy Clinical Trials
The Journal of Gene Medicine has compiled information and statistics of gene therapy trials aroudn the world.
What is Gene Therapy?
This description of gene therapy from the Institute of Human Gene Therapy describes the rationale for gene therapy, techniques, and hurdles.
Moral and Ethical Issues in Gene Therapy
This position paper from the Society, Religion, and Technology Project covers the ethical issues involved in both somatic and germ cell gene therapy.
Tempting Fates
The article from the May 1998 issue of Discover magazine discusses the use of gene therapy to treat disease vs. as enhancement of traits.
Gene Transfer for Enhancement
This article discusses the issue of gene therapy not for treatment of disease, but for enhancement.

Gene Therapy Facts
 •  The first human gene therapy trial began in 1990 and treated two patients with Severe Combined Immune Disorder (SCID) caused by ADA deficiency.

 •  In a 1996 survey, 68% of Americans approved of germline and somatic gene therapy.

 •  In the same survey, 83% of physicians supported use of germline gene therapy to eradicate diseases.

 •  Worldwide there are 396 gene therapy protocols involving 3278 patients (Sept. 1999).

 •  75% of all gene therapy trials take place in the United States.

 •  63% of all approved gene therapy protocols are for trials for treating cancer.

 •  40% of Americans think it would be okay to use gene therapy to make their children more attractive or intelligent.

 •  Primary limitation in gene therapy: efficient gene delivery to body.