WashU researchers edit donor stem cells to spare healthy tissue in blood cancer trials
Washington University School of Medicine researchers published results from a trial where they used CRISPR to remove CD33 from donor stem cells for patients with aggressive blood cancer.
Trial design and patient count
The study involved a clinical trial with 30 patients across multiple sites in the United States and Canada. Researchers at Siteman Cancer Center led the effort to genetically modify donor cells before transplantation. The goal was to allow follow-up cancer treatments to target specific proteins without harming healthy transplanted cells.
Results of cell editing
The edited cells successfully took hold in the patients after the transplant procedure appeared complete. These modified cells shielded blood cells from a treatment that targeted the CD33 protein. The findings suggest this approach could make future therapies safer for patients needing stem cell transplants.
Publication and research team
The results were published in the journal Nature Medicine by the research team at WashU Medicine. John F. DiPersio served as the corresponding author for the study released on September 25, 2026.
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