Revolutionizing personalized cancer treatment: the synergy of next-generation sequencing and CRISPR/Cas9

Abstract

In the context of cancer heterogeneity, the synergistic action of next-generation sequencing (NGS) and CRISPR/Cas9 plays a promising role in the personalized treatment of cancer. NGS enables high-throughput genomic profiling of tumors and pinpoints specific mutations that primarily lead to cancer. Oncologists use this information obtained from NGS in the form of DNA profiling or RNA analysis to tailor precision strategies based on an individual's unique molecular signature. Furthermore, the CRISPR technique enables precise editing of cancer-specific mutations, allowing targeted gene modifications. Harnessing the potential insights of NGS and CRISPR/Cas9 heralds a remarkable frontier in cancer therapeutics with unprecedented precision, effectiveness and minimal off-target effects.

Executive summary

• This review article highlights the transformative potential of combining next-generation sequencing (NGS) with CRISPR/Cas9 technology in cancer therapy. By leveraging NGS for comprehensive tumor genome profiling and CRISPR/Cas9 for precise gene editing, this integrated approach enables personalized treatment strategies tailored to the unique genetic makeup of individual tumors. This synergy holds promise for enhancing the efficacy of cancer therapy and overcoming challenges associated with tumor heterogeneity and drug resistance, marking a significant advancement in personalized oncology.

• Precision oncology aims to tailor cancer treatment to the genetic makeup of individual tumors, enhancing therapeutic efficacy and reducing adverse effects.

• NGS enables comprehensive profiling of the cancer genome, facilitating the identification of driver mutations and molecular pathways underpinning tumor development.

• NGS allows for the identification of actionable genetic alterations in cancer, guiding targeted therapy selection and personalized treatment strategies.

• Immunotherapy harnesses the immune system to target and eliminate cancer cells, offering promising therapeutic options for patients with advanced or refractory disease.

• NGS-guided identification of tumor-specific antigens enhances the development of CAR T-cell therapies, enabling precise targeting of cancer cells while sparing normal tissues.

• NGS-guided immunotherapy facilitates the development of cancer vaccines targeting tumor-specific antigens, stimulating the immune system to recognize and eliminate cancer cells.

• CRISPR/Cas9 technology allows for precise genome editing, enabling researchers to manipulate specific genes implicated in cancer development and progression.

• CRISPR-mediated gene editing holds promise for targeted gene therapy approaches, correcting disease-causing mutations and modulating cancer-related pathways.

• Cancer cell-specific promoters enable selective targeting of therapeutic genes to cancer cells, minimizing off-target effects and enhancing treatment specificity.

• Targeting telomerase activity in cancer cells using CRISPR-based approaches represents a promising strategy for inhibiting tumor growth and proliferation.

• CRISPR-mediated modulation of cancer-specific miRNA expression offers potential therapeutic avenues for regulating oncogenic pathways and suppressing tumor progression.

• Oncolytic viruses engineered using CRISPR technology exhibit enhanced tumor specificity and oncolytic activity, providing novel therapeutic options for cancer treatment.

• Various delivery methods and Cas9 enzyme variants offer flexibility and specificity in target editing, overcoming limitations associated with off-target effects and delivery efficiency.

• CRISPR/Cas9 holds promise for a wide range of therapeutic applications in oncology, including gene therapy, cancer immunotherapy, and targeted molecular interventions.

• Despite their potential, NGS and CRISPR technologies face challenges such as data interpretation complexity, off-target effects, and delivery efficiency, necessitating ongoing research and optimization for clinical translation in precision oncology.

• In conclusion, the convergence of NGS and CRISPR/Cas9 technologies presents a transformative opportunity to advance personalized cancer treatment. Through collaborative efforts between clinicians and researchers, the integration of these innovative approaches has the potential to revolutionize cancer care, paving the way for more effective and precise therapies.

   Keywords: :

• Cancer
• CRISPR/Cas9
• next generation sequencing; NGS
• personalized medicine

Financial disclosure

The authors have no financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Competing interests disclosure

The authors have no competing interests or relevant affiliations with any organization or entity with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Writing disclosure

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.