In a groundbreaking study, researchers at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), have developed an innovative cancer treatment by transforming ordinary white fat cells into calorie-burning “beige” fat cells using CRISPR gene-editing technology. These engineered cells, once implanted near tumors, aggressively consume nutrients, effectively starving cancer cells and inhibiting their growth. The approach has demonstrated efficacy against multiple cancer types, including breast, colon, pancreatic, and prostate cancers, in laboratory experiments.

The UCSF team utilized CRISPR to edit genes in white adipocytes, converting them into beige fat cells known for their high metabolic activity. When these modified cells were implanted near tumors in mice, they outcompeted cancer cells for essential nutrients, leading to significant tumor reduction. Remarkably, the therapy was effective even when the engineered fat cells were placed at sites distant from the tumors, suggesting a systemic effect.

This strategy leverages common medical procedures, such as liposuction and fat grafting, potentially accelerating its adoption as a new form of cellular therapy in oncology. The researchers propose that fat cells, which can be easily extracted, genetically modified, and reintroduced into the body, offer a promising platform for cancer treatment.

The study’s findings open new avenues for cancer therapy, highlighting the potential of engineered fat cells to combat various tumor types. Further research is needed to determine the safety and efficacy of this approach in humans, but the results thus far are promising and suggest a novel direction for future cancer treatments.

Source.