ABSTRACT
Genetics services may also continue their historical pattern of involvement in treatment or surveillance for complications of certain conditions, especially when these are complex disorders that involve multiple organs. In comparison with other types of disease, such as major infections, nutritional deficiencies or even cancers, most genetic disorders have been relatively unresponsive to treatment or to primary preventive measures. The slow deterioration and variability of many genetic conditions will often make it very difficult to evaluate the success or otherwise of any therapeutic approach. The most contentious applications of gene editing are their use in human reproduction, as in the notorious case of twin girls in China in whom gene editing has made them less vulnerable to HIV infection. A final topic to consider here is the question of the affordability of a new and expensive treatment for a rare disease.
