What are the Challenges of Genetic Therapies in Cancer?
Despite their potential, genetic therapies face several challenges:
1. Delivery: Efficiently delivering the genetic material to the targeted cells remains a significant hurdle. Viral vectors are commonly used, but they can cause immune responses or integrate into unintended sites in the genome. 2. Off-Target Effects: Precise targeting is crucial as off-target effects can lead to unintended genetic alterations, potentially causing other health issues. 3. Ethical Concerns: The manipulation of genetic material raises ethical questions, particularly around the potential for germline editing, which could be passed on to future generations.