CRISPR-Cas9 Mediated Gene Editing for Targeted Cancer Therapy: Mechanisms, Challenges, and Clinical Applications

¹Ugwu Okechukwu Paul-Chima, ²Anyanwu Chinyere Nkemjika, ¹Alum Esther Ugo, ¹Okon Michael Ben, ¹Egba Simeon Ikechukwu, ¹Uti Daniel Ejim and ³Awafung Emmanuel Adie

¹Department of Publication and Extension, Kampala International University Uganda

²Department of Microbiology and Immunology Kampala International University Uganda

³Department of Biomedical Engineering Kampala International University Uganda

Corresponding Author Email: Ugwu Okechukwu Paul-Chima; Department of Publication and Extension, Kampala International University Uganda. okechukwup.cugwu@gmail.com; ugwuopc@kiu.ac.ug ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3563-3521

ABSTRACT

The CRISPR-Cas9 system has revolutionized gene editing with its high efficiency and specificity, offering new avenues for targeted cancer therapy. This review focuses on the mechanisms through which CRISPR-Cas9 can be used to suppress oncogenes, restore tumor suppressor genes, and enhance immunotherapy by editing key genetic sequences. This review also explores how CRISPR-Cas9 targets DNA repair pathways such as homology-directed repair (HDR) and non-homologous end joining (NHEJ), emphasizing the precision required for successful cancer treatment. Despite promising in vitro results and ongoing clinical trials, challenges such as off-target effects and immune responses remain. This review also highlights advances in CRISPR technology, preclinical and clinical studies, combination therapies, and future directions in cancer therapy.

Keywords: CRISPR-Cas9, cancer therapy, gene editing, DNA repair pathways, oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes, immunotherapy, clinical trials

CITE AS: Ugwu Okechukwu Paul-Chima, Anyanwu Chinyere Nkemjika, Alum Esther Ugo, Okon Michael Ben, Egba Simeon Ikechukwu, Uti Daniel Ejim and Awafung Emmanuel Adie (2024). CRISPR-Cas9 Mediated Gene Editing for Targeted Cancer Therapy: Mechanisms, Challenges, and Clinical Applications. NEWPORT INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL AND APPLIED SCIENCES,5(1):97-102. https://doi.org/10.59298/NIJBAS/2024/5.1.9297102