Annual review of medicine
-
Advances in human genome editing, in particular the development of the clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9 method, have led to increasing concerns about the ethics of editing the human genome. In response, the US National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Medicine constituted a multidisciplinary, international committee to review the current status and make recommendations. I was a member of that committee, and the core of this review reflects the committee's conclusions. ⋯ It also recommends allowing experimental germline genome editing to proceed if ( a) it is restricted to preventing transmission of a serious disease or condition, ( b) the edit is a modification to a common DNA sequence known not to be associated with disease, and ( c) the research is conducted under a stringent set of ethical and regulatory requirements. Crossing the so-called red line of germline genome editing raises important bioethical issues, most importantly, serious concern about the potential negative impact on individuals with disabilities. This review highlights some of the major ethical considerations in human genome editing in light of the report's recommendations.
-
Early-stage non-small cell lung cancer is a potentially curable disease, but with relapse rates exceeding 50% with standard treatments, this is a patient population in critical need of therapy innovation. Immunotherapy with immune checkpoint blockade has revolutionized the treatment strategy for advanced lung cancer. ⋯ The study of immunotherapy in earlier-stage disease has many advantages, including assessment of pathologic response and incorporation of translational scientific analyses to evaluate antitumor immune responses. Multiple clinical trials are currently under way, with promising early results.