CRISPR is a promising gene editing tool being studied in laboratories worldwide as an inexpensive and precise mechanism for targetting specific genetic mutations. It could one day translate into treatments for genetic diseases in humans.

Last year, biologists from Oregon Health & Science University, led by Dr. Shoukhrat Mitalipov, published a study in Nature claiming they used CRISPR to fix a heart-disease-causing mutation in fertilized human embryos. Many scientists, including MSK’s Dr. Maria Jasin, questioned the plausibility of the findings.

Last week, the study hit the news again. Nature published a rebuttal to the criticism by Dr. Mitalipov and colleagues, along with two critiques, including one co-authored by Dr. Jasin.

Read coverage of the updated study and critiques:
MIT Technology Review
Nature News and Comment
Science News
The Scientist
Stat News
Wired

Learn more about CRISPR:
Genetics Home Reference
National Cancer Institute
Science News for Students

Advances in medical care could stop patients from developing lymphedema, swelling in the limbs that can result when lymph nodes are removed during cancer surgery. Two recent articles about lymphedema feature MSK health care professionals discussing ways to prevent it through surgical practices and physical therapy.

In 2014, the American Society of Clinical Oncology updated its guidelines. Now it recommends not removing sentinel lymph nodes in patients with early-stage breast cancer if cancer is in only one or two nodes. In a Reuters article, MSK’s Dr. Monica Morrow explains that if cancer has spread to these nodes, it will be targeted by the radiation, chemotherapy, or hormone therapy that is the post-surgical standard of care.

Even when lymph node removal is necessary, precautions can lower a patient’s lymphedema risk. A U.S. News and World Report article features MSK physical therapist Ms. Debbie Mattera. While working with patients to regain range of motion, she educates them on how to reduce their lymphedema risk by avoiding injury and sunburn, exercising slowly, and reporting any swelling to their doctors. She recommends patients seek out a physical therapist with experience working with cancer survivors.

A recent article in the Journal of the American College of Radiology by MSK clinicians determined that second opinions frequently change the interpretation of diagnostic breast imaging. As reported by HealthImaging.com, a second opinion prevented five percent of patients from receiving unneeded surgery and resulted in a new cancer diagnosis for four percent of the 147 patients included in the study. In total, second opinions led to a change in interpretation of the diagnostic imaging 51% of the time, including both downgrades and upgrades to breast lesions.