First Patient Undergoes Gene Therapy
At a glance:
- Series: Great Events: 1900-2001
- Categories: Science, Medicine, Health
- Subcategories: Scientists, Genetics
- Curriculum: American History 1951-present
- Geographical Location: Maryland
- Date: September 14, 1990
Article abstract: A team of scientists infused genetically altered cells into a girl who had been classified as incurable, helping her to recover from a debilitating illness.
Background
Until the late twentieth century, genetic disorders could only be approached from the dead-end angle of treating the symptoms. The mutant genes that caused the defects were unreachable, often leaving afflicted patients helpless. In the early 1970’s, however, new findings sparked interest in gene therapy, a process by which defective genes could be replaced. This process...
[The entire page is 805 words long]
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