CRISPR-Cas Systems in Precision Oncology: Current Applications and Future Challenges

Abstract

This study investigates the gap between the substantial technological potential of CRISPR-Cas systems and their safe, effective, and clinically sustainable adoption in precision oncology. The purpose was to quantitatively assess how technological capability, current oncology applications, safety and off-target concerns, delivery-system challenges, ethical and regulatory conditions, and technological and clinical readiness influence perceived effectiveness and future clinical adoption. A quantitative, cross-sectional, case-study-based design was employed using 286 valid professional cases drawn from research institutes, universities, hospitals and cancer centers, biotechnology and pharmaceutical organizations, and genomics or diagnostic laboratories, rather than cloud or enterprise software cases. Data were collected through a five-point Likert questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics, Cronbach's alpha, Pearson correlation, multiple regression, regression diagnostics, and hypothesis testing. Technological capability recorded the highest construct mean, M = 4.15, SD = 0.55, followed by perceived effectiveness, M = 4.12, SD = 0.58, current applications, M = 4.07, SD = 0.61, and future clinical adoption, M = 4.02, SD = 0.60. Technological capability strongly predicted perceived effectiveness, β = .49, p < .001, while current applications also contributed positively, β = .31, p < .001. The adoption model explained 51.2% of variance, R² = .512, adjusted R² = .501, F (6,279) = 48.73, p < .001. Technological and clinical readiness was the strongest positive predictor of adoption, β = .34, whereas safety concerns, β = -.18, delivery challenges, β = -.15, and ethical-regulatory challenges, β = -.13, significantly reduced adoption. The findings imply that successful CRISPR-Cas translation requires coordinated technological advancement, institutional readiness, effective delivery, rigorous safety assurance, and supportive governance.