Revolutionizing healthcare: the role of CRISPR-Cas systems in precision medicine

Introduction. CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) has been recognized as a revolutionary advancement in the biomedical field, offering unparalleled precision and versatility in genome editing. This review examines the transformative potential of CRISPR as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool for various diseases. Methods. A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science was performed to identify relevant Studies published between January 2015 and January 2025. The inclusion criteria focused on peer-reviewed articles discussing CRISPR-based diagnostics, therapeutic applications, and technological advancements. Studies were screened, assessed for quality using the CASP framework, and categorized into thematic areas for analysis. Results. CRISPR-based diagnostic platforms, such as SHERLOCK and DETECTR, were analyzed for their sensitivity and rapidity in detecting pathogens, cancer biomarkers, and genetic mutations. Emerging innovations, including prime and base editing, have been explored for their role in expanding the capabilities of CRISPR. Additionally, advancements in delivery mechanisms and the use of alternative Cas proteins have been discussed for their impact on clinical applicability. Conclusions. Ethical, regulatory, and accessibility challenges associated with CRISPR technology are highlighted, emphasizing the importance of responsible development and equitable deployment. This review connects cutting-edge advancements with translational challenges and underscores the significant role of CRISPR in shaping the future of precision medicine and global health.