The success of gene therapy in treating a fatal form of leukaemia is cause for celebration, but we don't yet know how common such results will be
THOMAS COEX/AFP via Getty Images
I can understand his concerns. Journalism on cancer research is notorious for overhyping small studies, generating false hopes in those affected by this disease. Gene therapy, though, has done better. In the approach used in the new study, people have some of their immune cells removed. A gene is added to these, which encodes an artificial receptor that recognises leukaemia cells, and the resulting CAR-T cells are then multiplied and reinfused into the cancer patient.
It would be wonderful if it worked for everyone. But other cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiotherapy don’t have 100 per cent success rates either, and are still highly valued weapons against these diseases. That is the big question of course – are those who go into remission really cured? Interestingly, the “c-word” wasn’t used in the scientific paper – but during the press conference, the lead researcher mentioned it often.
Many cancer researchers are now trying their hardest on this, coming up with ever-more complicated forms of the artificial receptors and giving the modified immune cells other genes for extra defences.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Gut health: how your microbiome shapes health and wellbeingIn this CPD accredited short online gut health course we’ll be exploring the latest scientific research which has uncovered powerful links between our gut microbes and our physical and mental wellbeing and we’ll reveal what the science says about the actions you can take to shape your microbiome and improve your health
Read more »
Check out the best new HS hockey jerseys in Jersey for 2022A look at some of the new sweaters on the ice for the 2021-22 hockey season.
Read more »
Kate Middleton Reads Bedtime Story for Children's Mental Health WeekKate Middleton will be reading a bedtime story as part of Children’s Mental Health Week for BBC's CBeebiesHQ. CBeebiesBedtimeStories CBeebies20thBirthday
Read more »
County On Track To Ease Outdoor Masking Requirements, Health Officials SayAs for indoor face-covering requirements, LA County Health Director Dr. Barbara Ferrer says those masks might be able to come off at some point near the end of March.
Read more »
10 Ways To Care For Your Mental Health After A MiscarriagePeople who have experienced pregnancy loss share what helped them cope when they were grieving.
Read more »
The Healing: Black men yoga takes shape to combat mental healthTristan Lewis and Andrew Smith started The Healing, a nonprofit aiming to promote mental health and wellness among Black men.
Read more »