China's CRISPR-edited genes trial to treat lung cancer in humans successful

Ocnologists from China were the first to place CRISPR-modified cells into a lung cancer patient, according to Nature. The journal says that second injection of Cas9-edited cells is sure and nine more people will be treated in future as the safety trial first round of treatment went well. Further, the patients will be monitored for a minimum period of six months, in order to "determine whether the injections are causing serious adverse effects."

The cells will be monitored to ensure that they are working in a proper manner, which means that their (now deactivated) PD-1 proteins no more interrupt cell's immune response and let cancer advance.

"The hope is, without PD-1, the edited cells will attack and defeat the cancer," Nature wrote.

Naiyer Rizvi from Columbia University's Medical Center opines that could encounter a roadblock as it is a flexible method as compared to other methods like using antibodies.

"Unless it shows a large gain in efficacy, it will be hard to justify moving forward," he said.