CRISPR Genetic Treatment Begins Hospital Testing

Considered one of the century's most important discoveries, CRISPR/CAS9 genetic engineering offers major hope, particularly in cancer treatment. Modifying immune cells with CRISPR aims to improve cancer attacks. CRISPR Therapeutics therefore agreed to collaborate with Harvard University's Massachusetts Hospital, among the world's leading medical institutions, for 2 years on CRISPR and cancer treatment.

Could CRISPR End Genetic Diseases, Including Cancer?

Recent research suggests cancer-cell gene damage can be eliminated. CRISPR's most effective cancer application is nevertheless expected to be T-cell therapy, or cancer immunotherapy in this approach.

T-cell therapy uses CRISPR to “program” immune T cells to attack cancer before administration to patients

In China, 2 clinical trials have begun and remain ongoing.

What Does This Mean for Cancer?

• Basic science's main challenge is slow translation of new treatments into clinical practice. CRISPR is complex and new. Collaboration with clinicians will accelerate T-cell therapies' clinical transition.
• CRISPR and T-cell therapies will also be tested in more patients and varied tumors, clarifying efficacy.