Somatic Cell Manipulation (SCM)
The altering of the genetic material in somatic cells (cells which do not pass on DNA) in order to correct disease or disorder. Introducing genes into the blood cells of patients with hemophilia (a blood disorder), and into cells of the immune system in patients with Severe Combined Immune Deficiency (SCID), a rare inherited disorder of the immune system are current examples of somatic cell manipulation. The idea is to "correct" the genetic component of the disease instead of, or in addition to, treating the disease with drugs.