A very remarkable one is for adenosine deaminase - severe combined immunodeficiency (ADA - SCID). Gene therapy has effectively treated this rare genetic disorder that affects the immune system. Patients can now lead normal lives without being constantly at risk of infections as their immune systems are functioning properly.
The success in treating haemophilia is also quite notable. Gene therapy has been used to correct the genetic defect responsible for haemophilia, reducing the frequency of bleeding episodes. This has had a profound impact on the lives of haemophilia patients, allowing them to be more active and have a better quality of life. Gene therapy in this case has the potential to be a long - term solution rather than just a short - term treatment like traditional therapies.
The case of Glybera is quite remarkable. It was the first gene therapy approved in the Western world. Glybera was used to treat lipoprotein lipase deficiency, a very rare disorder. By introducing the correct gene, it could address the lipid - metabolism problems associated with this deficiency.
A very remarkable one is in melanoma. Some patients who had no other effective treatment options saw significant shrinkage of their tumors after dendritic cell therapy. This is because the therapy can stimulate the patient's own immune system to specifically target melanoma cells.
A patient with a neurological disorder showed remarkable improvement. After ibi therapy, their tremors decreased, and their balance improved. They could now perform tasks like writing and eating without much difficulty.
A remarkable success is in diabetes treatment research. Embryonic stem cells have been manipulated to form insulin - producing cells. In some pre - clinical and early clinical trials, when these cells were transplanted into diabetic patients, they started to produce insulin, which could potentially revolutionize the treatment of diabetes by providing a long - term solution instead of just relying on insulin injections.
A remarkable one is in melanoma. With the development of BRAF - targeted therapies, patients with BRAF - mutated melanoma have seen great improvements. These drugs target the abnormal BRAF protein in melanoma cells, shrinking tumors and improving survival. For example, drugs like vemurafenib have changed the treatment landscape for melanoma patients.
There's a story of a child with autism who used to have meltdowns every time there was a change in the environment. With ABA therapy, the therapists worked on desensitizing the child to changes. They gradually introduced small changes and rewarded positive reactions. Eventually, the child was able to handle big changes like moving to a new house or starting at a new school without major meltdowns.
One remarkable story is of a veteran who suffered from PTSD. CBT involved exposure therapy where they gradually faced the memories and situations related to their trauma. Alongside, they learned cognitive restructuring to change their thoughts about the trauma. This combination allowed them to reintegrate into civilian life, have better sleep, and reduced their flashbacks and nightmares. It was a long journey, but CBT made a huge difference in their quality of life. The veteran was able to start a new career and build healthy relationships, which was almost unthinkable before the therapy.
Another great success is in the treatment of certain types of inherited blindness. Gene therapy has been able to restore some vision in patients. For example, in Leber congenital amaurosis, the corrected genes have enabled the retinal cells to function better, allowing patients to detect light and in some cases, see shapes and colors. This is a huge step forward for those who were previously facing a life in complete darkness.
One well - known gene therapy success story is the treatment of severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID). By introducing the correct gene into patients' cells, their immune systems were restored. This allowed children with SCID, who were previously highly vulnerable to infections, to lead normal lives.
One 'gene therapy horror story' involves a trial where patients had unexpected and severe immune reactions. Their bodies' immune systems overreacted to the gene therapy vectors, causing high fevers, organ failure in some cases, and even death. Another case is when gene therapy failed to correct the genetic defect as promised, leaving patients with false hopes and in some cases, worse health conditions than before the treatment.