First-in-human CRISPR trial shows success in halting advanced gastrointestinal cancers.
A groundbreaking study from the University of Minnesota has shown promising results using CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing to treat advanced gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. The therapy, tested in a first-in-human clinical trial, has provided encouraging signs of safety and potential effectiveness, offering hope for patients with late-stage, metastatic cancers.
Here’s how it works: The researchers used CRISPR/Cas9 technology to edit tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), a type of immune cell that helps the body fight cancer. By deactivating a gene called CISH, the modified TILs became more effective at recognizing and attacking cancer cells. The trial was conducted on 12 patients with end-stage metastatic GI cancers, including colorectal cancer, who had exhausted other treatment options. The results showed that the therapy was generally safe with no serious side effects. In some cases, the cancer growth was halted, and one patient experienced a complete response, with metastatic tumors disappearing and remaining absent for over two years.
This gene-editing approach differs from traditional cancer treatments as it permanently alters the TILs, enabling them to continually recognize and attack cancer cells without requiring ongoing treatment. While the results are promising, the therapy is still in its early stages, and efforts are focused on improving the process, reducing costs, and understanding the therapy’s full potential for broader use.
I cited this earlier as something I think is going to change humanity (if we survive) by a lot. Other things which COULD alter our existence a lot include, I think:
1. AI
2. Power from fusion (I keep reading stuff about it.)
3. Autonomous vehicles, especially heavy trucks.
4. This Interwebz thing.
