Genetic editing is CRISP for the first time tested on humans

Chinese scientists first experienced the CRISPR genetic editing in humans. Injection of the modified cells should help the patient to cope with metastatic lung cancer.

Chinese scientists first introduced in the human body cells that contain the genes are edited using the revolutionary technology CRISPR-cas9. In clinical trials 28 October, the team led by oncologist Lu Yu at the University of Sichuan in Chengdu, introduced the modified cells to the patient with aggressive lung cancer.

The research of Dr. Lu received the approval of the ethics Committee two years ago, in July 2016. But the date of start of treatment, participants pushed. Lou says that the cultivation of the cells took longer than expected.

The researchers removed immune cells from the blood of a recipient, and then disabled the gene using CRISPR-cas9. Disabled the gene encodes a protein PD-1, which puts the brakes on the immune response cells: cancer I use this feature for fast reproduction.

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Injection of the modified cells can cure cancer?

Team Lou has cultivated the edited cells, increasing their number and then introduced back into the patient with metastatic lung cancer. The hope is that without the protein PD-1 edited cells can attack and defeat the cancer.Dr. Lou said that the treatment went smoothly and that soon the party will get a second injection. To inform details it has refused because of medical confidentiality.

Soon a team of Chinese scientists is planning to apply the technology of CRISPR-cas9 for 10 people. Patients will receive two, three or four injections.

The research of Dr. Lou is primarily a safety test technology of genetic editing. Within 6 months participants will follow to determine whether injections cause serious side effects. Experts concerned whether CRISPR-cas9, they become a good alternative cancer treatment antibodies.

Source: Nature