Researchers are studying several ways to treat cancer using gene therapy.

Discuss the risks of gene therapy.

a. virus vector might infect another cell by mistake;

b. (virus vector) might place the new gene in the wrong section of DNA/cause cancer/mutation;

c. genes may be over-expressed/make too much protein which may be harmful;

d. (virus vector) might stimulate an immune reaction;

e. (virus vector) might be transferred from person to person;

f. children might be more sensitive to long-term hazards since their tissues are still developing;

There was often no discussion in the weaker answers but the better candidates could discuss the risks of gene therapy.