There have been many new beginnings in the twentieth century regarding
the treatment, prevention and diagnosis of human diseases and medical
conditions. The latest, ‘gene therapy’, perhaps offers the greatest potential for
radical new therapies. Gene therapy, as currently perceived, encompasses a
set of procedures deliberately aimed at the efficient transfer of genetic material
into the somatic cells of individual patients in order that the expression,
or other function, of the part(s) of the genetic material designed to elicit
preventive, therapeutic or diagnostic activity is fully functional and effective
for its intended purpose. Originally, gene therapy was conceived as a way of
correcting genetic defects in human inherited genetic disorders, of which
there are now more than 4000 known. For most of these genetic disorders,
there are no satisfactory treatments