Introduction

In most gene therapy studies, a "normal" gene is inserted into the genome to replace an "abnormal," disease-causing gene. A carrier molecule called a vector must be used to deliver the therapeutic gene to the patient's target cells. Currently, the most common vector is a virus that has been genetically altered to carry normal human DNA. Viruses have evolved a way of encapsulating and delivering their genes to human cells in a pathogenic manner. Scientists have tried to take advantage of this capability and manipulate the virus genome to remove disease-causing genes and insert therapeutic genes.

Target cells such as the patient's liver or lung cells are infected with the viral vector.

In most gene therapy studies, a "normal" gene is inserted into the genome to replace an "abnormal," disease-causing gene. A carrier molecule called a vector must be used to deliver the therapeutic gene to the patient's target cells. Currently, the most common vector is a virus that has been genetically altered to carry normal human DNA. Viruses have evolved a way of encapsulating and delivering their genes to human cells in a pathogenic manner. Scientists have tried to take advantage of this capability and manipulate the virus genome to remove disease-causing genes and insert therapeutic genes.

Nowadays, many manners of Gene transfer (vector) have been improved. Electroporation, micro-injection, naked DNA, Human artificial chromosome or liposome  also be applied to many different purposes.

Right from the early 1990s, Gene Therapy has been applied in treatment of SCID, cystic fibrosis, Duchenne Dystrophy Syndrome,  X - fragile chromosome, retinoblastoma, Alzheimer and recently as diabetes, cancer... have been treated by Gene Therapy.

In future, diseases like Familial high cholesterol, Liver Disease, Lesch- Nyhan disease, Gaucher, Hemophilia... also be handled by Gene Therapy.

Up to now, many cancers are treated with Gene Therapy had reached many thousands of people around the World.

With a Comprehensive Treatment Strategy, combining multiple methods: Gene therapy, Chemotherapy, Heating, Immune, traditional medicine, accupuncture has brought results very surprised. 

The results in Clinical Trials has comfirmed the posision of Gene Therapy in the 21st Century.

On 29-06-2009 Viet Nam Gene Therapy Center has been established in Bach Mai Hospital- Ha Noi -Viet Nam.

This is the First Center in Viet Nam applying recombinant DNA Technology in Diagosis and Treatment, especially genetic disorders and Cancer.