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New tumor cases show common gene therapy tool can come with risk
STAT • • business
Key Points:
- Researchers have confirmed that adeno-associated viruses (AAVs), commonly used for gene therapy, can in some cases cause tumors, ending a two-decade debate.
- Recent cases have provided strong evidence linking AAVs to cancer, prompting a reassessment of the risks associated with this gene delivery method.
- This discovery challenges patients and researchers to balance the newly identified cancer risk against the significant therapeutic benefits of AAV-based treatments.
- Experts, including neurologist Sam Mackenzie, note that this finding will influence treatment decisions, particularly for conditions like spinal muscular atrophy.
- The confirmation of AAV-related cancer risk underscores the need for developing safer gene therapies in the future.
