CRISPR Is Back At The Medical Scene; First Patient Is Being Treated Using The Technique

The controversial CRISPR is back again. A team of Chinese experts conducted the first human test using the CRISPR-Cas9 technique.

A team of scientists tested the first ever CRISPR-Cas9 technique that has been suffering from an aggressive lung cancer. The patient underwent the clinical trial and received the modified cells at West China Hospital in Chengdu, according to ABC.

The clinical trial was led by Lu You, an oncologist at Chengdu Sichuan University. The experts removed the immune cells from the blood of the patient, and using the CRISPR technique, they disabled the gene. In the technique, they combine the DNA-cutting enzyme with the molecular guide that is programmed to allow the enzyme the exact location where to cut.

The technique works like molecular scissors. It can selectively cut away the unwanted parts of the genome and changes it with a new stretch of DNA. It then slows down the immune response of the cells in the disabled gene codes for the protein PD-1.

As cancer influences the protein and its function to generate, the experts then cultured and edited the cells. They wait for the cells to increase in numbers, then they injected it back to the patient.

Now, the experts are hoping that without the PD-1, cancer will be attacked and be defeated by the edited cells. The patient is set to receive a second injection. However, details for further treatment are protected by the doctor-patient confidentiality.

The CRISPR-Cas9 technique trial will treat a total of 10 people. They will be having two to four injections. The volunteers will then be monitored by the experts for six months. The experts need to investigate and determine whether the injections are causing serious negative effects.

Meanwhile, other oncologists are also looking forward to the CRISPR entering the cancer scene. In New York City, Naiyer Rizvi from the Columbia University Medical Center shared that. The technology to be able to do this is incredible. Also, according to Nature.com, in Italy, Antonio Russo of Palermo University said that "It's an exciting strategy. The rationale is strong."