Off-Target Effects in Therapeutic Trials: Clinical trials using CRISPR for diseases like sickle cell anemia and beta-thalassemia have shown promise, but revealed significant risks. Studies reported unintended genetic mutations—off-target edits—where CRISPR cut DNA at incorrect sites. In some cases, these alterations could potentially lead to cancer or other disorders. While newer techniques aim to improve specificity, these findings highlighted the technology’s current imprecision. The scandal is not misconduct per se, but the underestimation of risks in early enthusiasm. It forced a reassessment of safety protocols, emphasizing the need for rigorous genomic screening before and after editing. These incidents remind us that therapeutic applications must prioritize patient safety over speed, despite the technology’s transformative potential.
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