Genes are made of DNA – the code of life (Gene Therapy: The Great Debate!). Changes in genes can cause serious problems, which we call genetic disorders. In theory, the only method to cure genetic diseases is gene therapy, which essentially means replacing genes to correct the loss or change in people's DNA. Although gene therapy offers patients with genetic diseases a lifelong cure, it is controversial because it presents safety and efficacy issues and raises ethical questions. Gene therapy allows patients to survive incurable diseases. In the field of genetic diseases, ADA-SCID, CGD and hemophilia are the three main ones. ADA-SCID is known as bubble boy disease. CGD is related to the immune system which would lead to fatal fungal infections. Hemophilia patients are unable to induce noticeable 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 (Gene Therapy for Diseases, 2011). According to Science Daily in 2011, gene therapy can now also apply to heart failure and neurological diseases. Gene therapy offers patients born with diseases that are incurable according to 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 entire family. However, the safety of gene therapy should be carefully evaluated. First, it could cause angiogenesis, which could trigger nonfunctional vessels or stimulate angiogenesis in... middle of the document... 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 14 July 2011]Safety Issues with the Therapy gene, ( 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 14 July 2011]Safdar, M. (2010) Gene Therapy: Advantages and Disadvantages [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]