First test of the CRISPR technique in people

2016/11/23 Etxebeste Aduriz, Egoitz - Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Osasuna
• Bioteknologia
• Medikuntza

Chinese researchers apply the CRISPR genome editing technique to a person to treat lung cancer. This technique is the first time used in people.

The team led by researcher Lu You of the University of Sichuan has launched a clinical session at the Western Chinese Hospital to treat lung cancer using the CRISPR technique. At the end of October, cells transformed by this technique were introduced to the first patient. Disabling the PD-1 gene with CRISPR in T lymphocytes removed from the patient's blood. The PD-1 gene prevents the immune response of lymphocytes, which is what cancer cells use to reproduce. The transformed cells have increased and reintroduced the patient. Without the PD-1 genus, lymphocytes are expected to attack cancer cells and be able to fight cancer.

The main purpose of the session is to confirm that modified T lymphocytes are safe. According to the researchers, this first treatment has gone well, for now. In total they plan to do so with ten people and will be monitored for six months to see if treatment has serious marginal consequences. They will also monitor the effectiveness of cancer treatment.

This technique has been the first time used in people, but soon more will come. For example, a clinical session is planned in the US. with the editing of three genes, early the following year, with the aim of treating several cancers. And in China they want to launch three new sessions to treat bladder, prostate and kidney cancers next March.

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