What are the Potential Applications of Genome Editing in Cancer Treatment?
Gene Therapy
Gene therapy involves introducing, removing, or altering genetic material within a patient's cells to treat disease. In the context of cancer, genome editing can be used to correct mutations in tumor suppressor genes or oncogenes, potentially halting cancer progression.
Immunotherapy
Genome editing can enhance the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy by modifying immune cells to better recognize and attack cancer cells. For example, editing the genes of T cells can improve their ability to target and destroy cancer cells, a technique used in CAR-T cell therapy.
Drug Resistance
Cancer cells often develop resistance to chemotherapy drugs. Genome editing can be used to identify and modify the genes responsible for drug resistance, potentially restoring the cancer cells' sensitivity to treatment.
