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