Researchers at Tel Aviv University (TAU) have achieved a significant breakthrough in cancer treatment by utilizing CRISPR gene-editing technology to target and eliminate cancer cells in head and neck tumors. In preclinical studies involving animal models, the team successfully removed a specific gene from the cancer cells, leading to the complete disappearance of 50% of the tumors after three treatments administered over 84 days. This innovative approach involves designing specialized lipid nanoparticles to deliver the CRISPR system in RNA format directly to the tumor site. These nanoparticles are coated with an antibody targeting the EGF receptor, which is prevalent on cancer cells, ensuring precise delivery of the gene-editing components.
The study, led by Dr. Razan Masarwy under the guidance of Prof. Dan Peer, a renowned expert in mRNA-based drug development at TAU, demonstrates the potential of CRISPR technology in cancer therapy. Prof. Peer highlighted that while CRISPR is not typically used for cancer treatment due to previous assumptions that eliminating a single gene might be insufficient, this research reveals that certain genes are essential for cancer cell survival, making them excellent targets for CRISPR-based therapies. The team is optimistic about extending this approach to other cancer types, including myeloma, lymphoma, and liver cancer, potentially revolutionizing the landscape of cancer treatment. Click for More Details
