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Updated: Jul 3, 2026

Defining Gene Functions in Tumorigenesis by Ex vivo Ablation of Floxed Alleles in Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor Cells
Published on: August 25, 2021
[Targeted therapy for ultra-rare diseases]
Roxane Van Heurck1, Eva Hammar1, Caterina Marconi1
1Service de médecine génétique, Département diagnostique, Hôpitaux universitaires de Genève, 1211 Genève 14.
Abstract:
Nano-rare diseases, affecting fewer than 30 individuals worldwide, are mostly genetic and severe, with no effective treatments available. Nucleic acid-based therapies, such as antisense oligonucleotides, allow for the targeted modulation of gene expression. Successes like nusinersen and ultrapersonalized treatments (for example, Milasen) highlight their potential. Other approaches, including viral gene therapy and CRISPR-Cas9, enable the addition or correction of genes. However, major challenges remain, including high costs, difficulties in conducting clinical trials, and inadequate regulatory frameworks, especially for "N-of-1" therapies. International initiatives are emerging to facilitate access to these innovative treatments in Europe and Switzerland.
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