First Ever CRISPR Gene-Editing Trial on Human to Begin in China
A team of Chinese researchers from Sichuan University's West China Hospital is preparing for the first ever trial of CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technique on humans next month after receiving ethical approval from the hospital's review board last July 6.
"I hope we are the first," said Lu You, an oncologist at the West Chine Hospital and leader of the trial, in a report from Nature. "And more importantly, I hope we can get positive data from the trial."
Researchers from the United States are also planning to perform the very first CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing on humans to fight against melanoma, sarcoma and myeloid cancers. They have received the green light from the US National Institute of Health but still waiting the approval from the US Food and Drugs Administration and a university review board.
The Chinese team is planning to use the gene-editing tool to patients with metastatic non-small lung cancer that have failed results in chemotherapy, radiation therapy and other treatments.
During the procedure, immune cells, known as T-cells, will be extracted from the blood of the patients. CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technique will then be used to modify the extracted T-cells, cutting out a gene that encodes a protein cal PD-1 that prevent the cell from attacking healthy cells. The modified cells will first be multiplied in the lab before re-introducing into the patient's bloodstream.
Due to the potential high risk of CRISPR, the researchers will proceed on their trial slowly, increasing the dosage gradually with just one patient, who will monitored closely for side-effects. The researchers will also keep a watchful eye on blood markers that could indicate if the treatment is working.
According to a report from CBC, CRISPR has the potential to make unpredicted genetic changes in unwanted places. It could trigger a fatal immune response known as cytokine storm that can lead to death. There is also the possibility that the edited cell to attack cancer could end up destroying normal, healthy cells.