How is gene therapy typically administered?

Gene therapy is typically administered through direct injection into affected tissues or by using viral vectors, which are modified viruses designed to deliver therapeutic genetic material into a patient's cells. This method is effective as it allows for precise targeting of the affected cells, enhancing the chances of successful treatment.

Direct injections can be used for localized therapies, such as treating specific tumors or tissues. Viral vectors, which are engineered to be safe and non-pathogenic, can carry therapeutic genes into cells, changing the way cells function at a genetic level. This approach can facilitate the expression of proteins that may be missing or dysfunctional due to genetic disorders.

The other methods listed are not standard approaches for administering gene therapy. Oral medication typically does not achieve the necessary uptake of genetic material by cells due to the digestive process, making it an ineffective delivery method for gene therapy. Modifying diet alone would not deliver genetic material to cells and therefore cannot be classified as gene therapy. Likewise, topical applications may not penetrate deeply enough to reach the target cells, especially for systemic conditions that gene therapy aims to treat. Overall, the combination of targeted tissue injection and viral vector use represents the most effective strategy in gene therapy.