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Multiple myeloma specialists primarily focus on managing the disease and its symptoms, rather than directly targeting the underlying DNA mutations, because the genetic mutations causing multiple myeloma are complex and vary between individuals. While some genetic factors are known to increase the risk of developing the disease, multiple myeloma is not considered a directly inherited cancer. Instead, specialists address the consequences of these genetic mutations, which lead to the uncontrolled… read more
CRISPR technology is showing promise in the treatment of multiple myeloma, primarily through two avenues: identifying novel therapeutic targets and engineering CAR-T cells. Recent studies have identified genes that are essential for multiple myeloma cell survival, but not for other cell types, suggesting new therapeutic targets. Additionally, CRISPR is being used to modify T-cells to enhance their ability to target and kill myeloma cells, potentially leading to more durable remissions.
CRISPR for Identifying Therapeutic Targets:
A study published in Nature Cancer identified 116 genes as key vulnerabilities in multiple myeloma.
These genes were found to be more critical for myeloma cell survival than for other cancer cells, suggesting they could be targeted by new therapies, according to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
This research suggests a shift towards targeting unique vulnerabilities that distinguish myeloma from other cancers, rather than focusing solely on genetic mutations.
CRISPR for CAR-T Cell Therapy:
CAR-T cell therapy involves genetically modifying a patient's T-cells to target and destroy cancer cells.
CRISPR is being used to edit T-cells to remove genes that cause graft-versus-host disease (a major side effect of allogeneic therapy) and to enhance their ability to fight myeloma, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
CRISPR Therapeutics is conducting a clinical trial (CTX120) using allogeneic CAR-T cells targeting BCMA for relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma.
The University of Pennsylvania is also conducting a clinical trial using CRISPR-edited T-cells to target myeloma, with sites at UCSF and MD Anderson.
Other Notable Points:
A study identified an lncRNA (RP11-350G8.5) that, when knocked out using CRISPR, slowed tumor growth and decreased tumor mass in myeloma cells, according to CRISPR Medicine News.
The CRISPR/Cas9 system is also being used to identify regulators of BCMA (a protein targeted by some myeloma therapies) on myeloma cells.
In summary, CRISPR technology offers promising avenues for treating multiple myeloma, both through the identification of new therapeutic targets and the development of more effective CAR-T cell therapies.
Hey Angie. I joined the
Healthtree Foundation CureHub. The MMRF has the CureCloud. They do look at genetics. Check them out if you are interested. I just sign an online consent to give them permission to look at my medical records. 😀
Multiple myeloma treatments actually target both symptoms and the underlying disease. The treatments work to kill cancer cells and slow the uncontrolled growth of abnormal plasma cells, which are the root cause of myeloma. While myeloma may not be completely curable yet, modern treatments are increasingly effective at Show Full Answer
In the UK they are going to start taking the DNA of all new born babies.
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