Genes are made up of DNA – the code of life (Gene Therapy – The Great Debate!). Genetic changes can cause serious problems, which we call genetic disorders. In theory, the only method to cure genetic diseases is gene therapy, which essentially involves replacing genes to correct the loss or change in a person's DNA. Although gene therapy provides permanent cures for patients with genetic diseases, it is controversial because it poses safety and effectiveness concerns and raises ethical questions. Gene therapy allows patients to survive incurable diseases. In the field of genetic diseases, ADA-SCID, CGD and hemophilia are three main ones. ADA-SCID is known as bubble boy disease. CGD is linked to the immune system which is believed to lead to life-threatening fungal infections. Hemophilia patients are not capable of causing significant bleeding (Gene Therapy for Diseases, 2011). Gene therapy also has good effects on the treatment of cancer and neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease. Viral infections, including influenza, HIV, and hepatitis, can also be treated with this drug (Gene Therapy for Diseases, 2011). According to Science Daily in 2011, gene therapy can now also be applied to heart failure and neurological diseases. Gene therapy offers patients born with diseases incurable by traditional medicine a permanent cure. If patients received germline therapy, which involves replacing disordered genes in sperm or eggs, their offspring would also have correct genetic orders. The positive effect would influence the whole family. However, the safety of gene therapy must be carefully studied. First, it can cause angiogenesis, which can trigger nonfunctional vessels or stimulation of angiogenesis in...... middle of article......anvalues/pdf/gene-therapy.pdf [ Accessed July 14, 2011] Bergeson, E. (1997) The Ethics of Gene Therapy [Online] Available at: http://www.ndsu.edu/pubweb/~mcclean/plsc431/students/bergeson.htm [Accessed July 14, 2011] Safety issues related to gene therapy, (2011) [Online] Available at: http://scienceray.com/biology/safety-issues-with-gene-therapy/ [Accessed July 14, 2011] Rocholl, B. Gene Therapy: Revolutionizing Medicine [ Online] Available at: http://www.ndsu.edu/pubweb/~mcclean/plsc431/students/brandi.htm [Accessed July 14, 2011] Safdar, M. (2010) Gene Therapy: Advantages and Disadvantages [En online] Available at: http://www.biotecharticles.com/Genetics-Article/Gene-Therapy-Advantages-and-Disadvantages-271.html [Accessed July 17, 2011] Gene Therapy for Diseases, [Online] Available at : http://www.asgct.org/about_gene_therapy/diseases.php [Accessed August 21 2011]