POST-PRESS: Gene-Modified T-Cells Win Over Leukemia

The prospect is very good for the newly gene-modified T-cells that has so far fully stopped chronic lymphocytic luekemia (CLL) in two volunteers. The remission has continued for already a year since the treatment. We hope that longer remissions will be observed in this new method of gene therapy.

Carl June, a gene therapy expert at the University of Pennsylvania, has some much reason to celebrate in the recent albeit small victory in the fight against cancer using a new gene modification technique performed on T-cells. The new method uses a carrier that delivers the new genes to the T-cells. The new genes are designed to begin dictating T-cells to kill cancer cells and multiply. A regiment of mercenary T-cells get reproduced, specifically attacking leukemic cells and eradicating them all. All it takes are three infusions of genetically engineered T-cells.

The only drawback so far is the reengineered T-cells' nonspecific targeting of other immune-active blood cells. Still two successful treatments are far better than none at all. [Read more]

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Deadly X-Gene Mutants

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Joy, Temperance and Repose

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