IntroductionGene therapy is a technique that has the prospect of providing an advantageous method in the treatment of genetic diseases. Although it is still in development, successful experiments have been conducted and, conceptually, the idea being tested is ideal in the fight against deadly diseases such as hemophilia, cystic fibrosis and cancer. However, the idea is surrounded by much controversy, due to its underdeveloped nature, potential biological risks and heavy failures in the past. The use and future development of gene therapy is a debated topic. This investigation aimed to consider potential risks and benefits, giving rise to the question: gene therapy; friend or enemy? Biological Context Gene therapy is a process used to treat diseases and disorders caused by mutated or defective genes in patients, which alter or inhibit the production of essential proteins used in normal function (Hunt, 2008). Basically, the treatment involves putting working DNA into cells, which incorporates itself into the genome and replaces the faulty gene, or repairs, alters or disables disease-causing genes (Genetic Home Reference, 2014; Hunt, 2008). Gene therapy uses vectors to deliver functioning genes into cells, where a “vector” is a vehicle into which DNA can be transferred. They can be viral or non-viral and treatment can occur in vitro and ex vivo (inside and outside the body) (ScienceDaily, 2014; University of Utah, 2014). The use of viral vectors mimics the survival techniques of viruses. A virus is a tiny particle containing genetic material; lacking material to reproduce on its own, it infects a host, injecting its DNA or RNA, and uses the host's cellular machinery to reproduce (Freudenrich, 2014). In gene therapy,...... at the center of the article......lestaple (2011), BBC Horizon Trial and Error, the Rise and Fall of Gene Therapy, accessed 18 May 2014, TrinsicAnimation (2011 ), Gene Therapy Medical Animation (CERE-120), accessed 8 June 2014, University of Utah (2014), Approaches to Gene Therapy, accessed 25 May 2014 University of Utah (2014), Gene Delivery: Tools of the Trade, accessed May 25, 2014 University of Utah (2014), Gene Therapy Successes, accessed May 25, 2014, Viral and Non-viral Vectors in Gene Therapy: Wikipedia (2014), Gene Therapy, accessed May 25 2014,