'Bubble Boy' Cured by Gene Therapy in UK

DrKyle writes "Another child with "Bubble Boy" disease aka ADA-SCID (adenosine deaminase deficiency causing severe combined immunodeficiency) has been cured by transforming bone marrow stem cells with the functioning gene. Normally toxic levels of adenosine build up in T-cells killing off those important cells required for a robust immune system. While not the first person cured, another successful case of gene therapy goes a long way in encouraging goverments to continue to fund genetic research."

Comments

Re:Important question

[Kraemahz]

See: Gene Therapy
Specifically this line:
"In theory it is possible to transform either somatic cells (most cells of the body) or cells of the germline (such as stem cells, sperm and eggs). All gene therapy so far in people has been directed at somatic cells, whereas germline engineering in humans remains only a highly controversial prospect. For the introduced gene to be transmitted normally to offspring, it needs not only to inserted into the cell, but also to be incorporated into the chromosomes by genetic recombination."

In order for the altered genes to be passed on the germline would have to be involved in the gene therapy process, which is considered making "designer humans" and thus frowned upon by biological conservatives (read: ethicists).

Playing God

[Doc Ruby]

It's GOD'S WILL that Bubble Boy live a short, tortured life. Governments have no business stealing the money of the safely faithful to prop up the doctors, diabolically playing god, who thwart GOD'S WILL with these blasphemies. Doctors can go to hell with Bubble Boy, but they can't take us with them, dragged by our tax forms!

Other trials were shut down (reformatted!)

[rakarnik]

Three other trials using gene therapy to cure the same disease were shut down by the FDA just last week. Apparently, the "harmless virus" used in a French trial ended up causing cancer in two patients. TFA does not seem to mention these other trials.