Question

Which kind of therapy was given in 1990 to a four-year-old girl with adenosine deaminase [ADA] deficiency ?

• A. Gene therapy
• B. Chemotherapy
• C. Immunotherapy
• D. Radiation therapy

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

In 1990, a four-year-old girl with adenosine deaminase (ADA) deficiency was treated with gene therapy, marking a significant milestone in the field of medical genetics and personalized medicine.

Here's a detailed explanation:

1. Understanding ADA Deficiency:
   • Adenosine deaminase deficiency is a rare genetic disorder that results in severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID).
   • This condition affects the immune system, leading to a higher susceptibility to infections.
2. Explanation of Gene Therapy:
   • Gene therapy involves the introduction of normal genes into cells in place of missing or defective ones in order to correct genetic disorders.
   • In this specific case, the therapy was aimed at correcting the genetic defect causing ADA deficiency.
3. Justification of the Correct Option:
   • Gene therapy was the method used for treating the ADA deficiency in the girl, as it directly addresses the genetic cause of her condition.
   • Chemotherapy, Immunotherapy, and Radiation therapy are generally not used to correct genetic deficiencies at the level of DNA correction, thus making them unsuitable for treating ADA deficiency through this approach.
4. Historical Significance:
   • The application of gene therapy in 1990 was one of the earliest practical uses of this technology in humans, opening doors for future developments and applications in treating genetic disorders.

Therefore, the correct answer to the question is Gene therapy.