Implications of CRISPR-Based Germline Engineering for Cancer Survivors

Therapeutic Innovation & Regulatory Science
Gregory Katz, Peter J Pitts

Abstract

Cancer survivors can carry germline mutations that will be transmitted to their progeny. Today, many of these mutations have been identified and can be tracked. With the recent development of genome-editing technologies and CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats), the possibility of genetically modifying the human germline-gametes and embryos-has never been closer. This perspective has sparked a controversy within the scientific community with reactions ranging from calls for a ban on germline modification to cautious approval of further research. This Editorial analyzes the possible adoption of CRISPR-based germline engineering to prevent the spread of cancer predispositions in the human population. We discuss whether the genomic edition of human sperm and eggs would contribute to rectifying or altering the heritable genome. We anticipate the emergence of a new form of liberal eugenics fueled by a logic of offer and demand from stakeholders such as cancer survivors and their relatives and offspring, but also from fertility clinics, biotech firms, insurers, and clinicians. From a regulatory perspective, validating the clinical safety and utility of CRISPR-based germline engineering is an essential ste...Continue Reading

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Citations

May 2, 2018·Therapeutic Innovation & Regulatory Science·Jorge E SimónNelson Santiago Vispo

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Methods Mentioned

BETA
transgenic

Software Mentioned

Addgene
EGAPP

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