Tel Aviv University researchers shrink tumors using CRISPR

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have used CRISPR gene editing to successfully shrink head and neck tumors in animal models. By removing a specific gene, they achieved a 50% reduction in tumor size, marking a significant advancement in cancer treatment. This study is the first application of CRISPR to head and neck cancers, building on previous work where the technology was used in mice. The researchers targeted a gene essential for cancer cell survival, challenging earlier beliefs about gene elimination in cancer therapy. The team developed a specialized delivery system to inject the CRISPR treatment directly into tumors. They plan to explore this approach for other cancer types, including myeloma, lymphoma, and liver cancer.