Gene therapy offers hope for untreatable cancers | DW News

Summary

A teenager in the UK has become cancer-free following a groundbreaking treatment for leukemia called base editing. This innovative therapy involves genetically engineering immune cells to target and eliminate cancerous ones. Six months post-treatment, the patient shows no signs of cancer, offering hope for the future of cancer treatment. Dr. David Liu, one of the inventors of base editing, explains how this technology can correct genetic 'misspellings' and has the potential to treat a wide range of diseases. The success of this case, led by Dr. Waseem Qasim at UCL, marks a significant step forward in the field of immuno-oncology.

Takeaways

• 🌟 A teenager in the UK has become cancer-free after a new treatment for leukemia called 'base editing'.
• 🧬 Base editing is a technique that involves altering the patient's DNA to fight diseases like cancer.
• 🛠️ The treatment involves genetically engineering new immune cells to target and eliminate cancerous ones.
• 🎓 Dr. David Liu, a Harvard professor, is one of the inventors of base editing and explains its potential in medicine.
• 🔍 Base editors are molecular machines that can convert one DNA letter to another at a specific sequence of interest.
• 💊 The treatment has the potential to correct genetic diseases and make precise changes for fighting diseases like leukemia.
• 🏥 Alyssa was the first patient to undergo this experimental treatment after conventional treatments failed.
• 🚀 Six months post-treatment, Alyssa's cancer is undetectable, offering hope for the future of cancer treatment.
• 🔬 The approach taken in Alyssa's treatment was innovative, focusing on reprogramming T cells to target her cancer without harming her own cells.
• 🌍 There are ongoing clinical trials for base editing in treating different diseases in various countries.
• 🤝 The leadership and scientific vision of Dr. Waseem Qureshi at UCL led the clinical trial for Alyssa's experimental therapy.
• 🔄 While Alyssa is currently cancer-free, there is always a chance of cancer returning, and base editing could potentially be reapplied if needed.

Q & A

What is the name of the new treatment for leukemia mentioned in the script?

The new treatment for leukemia is called base editing.

What does base editing involve in terms of altering the patient's DNA?

Base editing involves genetically engineering new immune cells that hunt down the cancerous ones by making precise single letter changes in the DNA.

How did doctors perceive Alyssa's leukemia before she underwent base editing treatment?

Doctors feared Alyssa's leukemia was incurable after all conventional treatments failed.

What was the outcome of Alyssa's treatment with base editing six months after the procedure?

Six months after the treatment, the cancer was no longer detectable in Alyssa's body.

What is the potential of base editing according to the doctors in the script?

Doctors believe that base editing technology could help fight a wide range of diseases beyond just leukemia.

Who is Dr. David Liu, and what is his connection to base editing?

Dr. David Liu is one of the inventors of base editing, a professor, and director of the American Institute of Transformative Technologies in healthcare at Harvard University.

How does base editing work according to Dr. David Liu's explanation?

Base editors are molecular machines engineered from natural components that can convert one DNA letter to a different letter of our choosing at a specific sequence of interest.

What is the significance of the approach taken in Alyssa's treatment as opposed to traditional cancer treatments?

Instead of attacking the cancer cells directly by changing their DNA sequence, the treatment made precise base edits in donor's T cells, reprogramming them to target Alyssa's cancer without harming her cells.

What is the current status of Alyssa's health after the base editing treatment?

Alyssa is currently cancer-free, although there is always a chance of cancer returning even after remission.

Are there any ongoing clinical trials using base editing for other diseases?

Yes, there are four clinical trials ongoing in four different countries using base editing to treat different diseases.

What was the role of Dr. Waseem Qureshi in Alyssa's treatment?

Dr. Waseem Qureshi led the clinical trial at UCL (University College London) and decided to try the experimental base editing therapy on Alyssa to give her the best chance of recovery.