Can ‘superblood’ treat cancer?

A new technique whereby donated red blood cells are modified to form ‘superblood’ could help to treat rare diseases, as well as cancer and autoimmune disorders such as lupus.

The cells are edited so that they carry specific proteins the body lacks, causing a particular disorder or disease.

Because red blood cells do not carry genetic material — unlike white blood cells and stem cells — scientists believe that it makes the process less risky than other treatments which involve modifying cells that are then prone to rejection.

‘Superblood’ research is being led by the U.S. company Rubius Therapeutics, which is currently planning human trials.