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New CRISPR Technique Selectively Shreds Cancer Cells, Including “Undruggable” Cancers

New CRISPR Technique Selectively Shreds Cancer Cells, Including “Undruggable” Cancers

Tech Innovative Genomics
Researchers developed a new CRISPR-based method that selectively destroys cancer cells by targeting common tumor suppressor mutations.
What: The technique identifies and shreds cells containing specific mutations found in 70% to 90% of aggressive cancers. Unlike traditional small molecule or antibody treatments, this approach can be adapted to new cancer types significantly faster.
Why it matters: The transition from generalized treatments to programmable, mutation-specific genetic medicine is accelerating, potentially lowering the development timeline for targeted oncology therapies.
Decoder
  • CRISPR: A technology used to edit genes by precisely cutting DNA sequences.
  • Tumor Suppressor: A gene that protects a cell from one step on the path to cancer; when it mutates, it loses its ability to control cell division.
Original article

Researchers have created a new CRISPR-based approach that can selectively destroy cells carrying a mutation in a tumor suppressor found in nearly half of cancers and up to 70% to 90% of cases of some of the most difficult-to-treat cancers. The new approach harnesses CRISPR's ability to find cells with specific mutations and uses its cutting ability to selectively destroy those cells. Making treatments for different cancers using this technique is faster than making a small molecule drug or antibody therapy. Delivery remains a challenge, but a combination of therapies may prove useful for some cancers.

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