// BBC UK NEWS — CRONACA
Teen's life transformed by gene editing
Vian hopes to become a nurse, having spent most of her life surrounded by medical staff
A teenager has revealed how her life has been transformed thanks to pioneering gene editing, which reversed symptoms of a crippling blood disorder.
Vian, 16, was born with thalassemia, a condition that affects haemoglobin - used by red blood cells to transport oxygen around the body. It left her short of breath and with no appetite.
Her own stem cells were edited and she no longer needs the monthly blood transfusions she endured for most of her life.
"My whole life's different now. It's changed so much," she said.
The treatment, for patients with thalassaemia or sickle cell disease, is offered to young people at three children's hospitals in the country.
Vian, from Coventry, was one of the first to have it.
Vian previously spent a lot of time in hospital and had to have monthly blood transfusions throughout her childhood
Her edited stem cells were returned to her last December, following chemotherapy, and she has now recovered well.
"It's much easier for me now. I always have energy to do stuff," Vian explained.