Gene Therapy in Human Beings: When Is It Ethical to Begin?

The recent rapid expansion of research in the area of molecular genetics, resulting in large part from the application of recombinant-DNA technology, has produced uncertainty in the minds of some physicians about how much has been accomplished in the area of genetic engineering. Successful introduction of genes into intact mice1 , 2 and into mouse embryos3 indicates that the transfer of certain genes into human beings may now be technically feasible. Indeed, the Los Angeles Times reported on October 8 that an attempt at gene therapy in human beings was conducted this summer.4 Is it ethical to carry out such a new . . .