Unveiling the potential of gene editing techniques in revolutionizing Cancer treatment: A comprehensive overview
Pankaj Garg, Gargi Singhal, Siddhika Pareek, Prakash Kulkarni, David Horné, Aritro Nath, Ravi Salgia, Sharad S. Singhal
Abstract
Gene editing techniques have emerged as powerful tools in biomedical research, offering precise manipulation of genetic material with the potential to revolutionize cancer treatment strategies. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current landscape of gene editing technologies, including CRISPR-Cas systems, base editing, prime editing, and synthetic gene circuits, highlighting their applications and potential in cancer therapy. It discusses the mechanisms, advantages, and limitations of each gene editing approach, emphasizing their transformative impact on targeting oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes, and drug resistance mechanisms in various cancer types. The review delves into population-level interventions and precision prevention strategies enabled by gene editing technologies, including gene drives, synthetic gene circuits, and precision prevention tools, for controlling cancer-causing genes, targeting pre-cancerous lesions, and implementing personalized preventive measures. Ethical considerations, regulatory challenges, and future directions in gene editing research for cancer treatment are also addressed. This review highlights how gene editing could revolutionize precision medicine by enhancing patient care and advancing cancer treatments with targeted, personalized methods. For these benefits to be fully realized, collaboration among researchers, doctors, regulators, and patient advocates is crucial in fighting cancer and meeting clinical needs. • The salient features of this article with potential clinical relevance include: • Gene editing has revolutionized cancer treatment by allowing precise targeting of genetic factors like oncogenes and drug resistance. This leads to personalized therapies with better results and fewer side effects. It also enables new population-level interventions and precision prevention strategies, highlighting its potential in advancing cancer therapy. • The impact of gene editing on precision medicine and cancer treatment is clear in its development of targeted, innovative strategies that improve patient outcomes. Collaboration among various stakeholders is essential to fully harness gene editing's benefits in fighting cancer.