Somatic gene therapy is a medical technique that aims to treat or prevent diseases by altering the genes in somatic cells, which are any cells in the body except for sperm and egg cells. This approach can be used to correct genetic defects, enhance immune responses, or provide new functions to cells. The changes made in somatic gene therapy are not inherited by future generations. The process typically involves delivering therapeutic genes into the patient's cells using vectors, often derived from viruses. This method has shown promise in treating various conditions, including certain types of cancer, genetic disorders, and viral infections. However, research is ongoing to ensure its safety and effectiveness.