Philadelphia Stroke Misdiagnosis Lawyers Explore CRISPR Hopes for Stroke and Cancer Risk Patients

What is this article about?

• What will this article cover? This article explores how emerging gene-editing technologies like CRISPR may help prevent strokes and cancer in genetically predisposed individuals, especially in light of frequent Philadelphia stroke misdiagnosis and cancer mistreatment cases. 

  
  

• Can people with increased risk of stroke benefit from gene editing? Yes, individuals with genetic mutations linked to high blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood clotting disorders may see reduced stroke risk with future CRISPR treatments.

  
  

• Does stroke have a genetic basis that could be edited? Some strokes are influenced by heritable mutations—such as in the NOTCH3, PCSK9, or Factor V Leiden genes—raising hope for targeted gene-editing interventions.

  
  

• Can CRISPR be beneficial for patients after a Philadelphia stroke misdiagnosis? For those who suffered due to delayed diagnosis or improper stroke care, this emerging science could one day offer a second chance at recovery and quality of life.

  
  

• Are there hopes for real treatment soon? Yes, several CRISPR trials are underway or have shown early success. Verve Therapeutics, for example, is advancing cholesterol-lowering CRISPR trials that could lower stroke and heart disease risk. In addition to medical hope, we offer a brighter future for our patients—call (267) 490-3988 today to learn how we can help you move forward.

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We recently witnessed a groundbreaking milestone—the world’s first in vivo CRISPR treatment performed right here in Philadelphia at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). This institution, where the United States’ first neonatal intensive care unit was inspired by European models, has treated many of our clients who suffer from Philadelphia birth injuries, delayed C-sections, umbilical cord complications, neonatal spinal damage, and premature birth complications. As Philadelphia medical malpractice lawyers, we advocate for these tiniest patients—and also for adults and seniors misdiagnosed with cancer or stroke. Strokes and cancers are not always age-specific: genetic predispositions can lead to devastating cardiovascular events or malignancies in the young and old alike.

Today, we dive into the potential future of gene editing, particularly CRISPR, as a method to reduce the risk of stroke and cancer. Our Philadelphia stroke misdiagnosis lawyers bring attention to how misdiagnosed conditions intersect with genetic mutations, potentially increasing legal accountability and clinical negligence. If you or a loved one has suffered due to such medical errors, call us at (267) 490-3988 for trusted guidance through the complexities of legal action and compassionate support every step of the way.

Understanding Stroke: Types, Risks, and Genetics

Strokes are serious medical emergencies that occur when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, preventing brain tissue from getting essential oxygen and nutrients. Broadly, strokes are classified into two main types:

• Ischemic strokes, which account for approximately 87% of all cases, are caused by a blockage or clot in an artery supplying blood to the brain.

  
  

• Hemorrhagic strokes, though less common, occur when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, leading to bleeding either within the brain tissue itself or in the space surrounding the brain.

  
  

In addition to these major categories, another important event known as a transient ischemic attack (TIA)—often referred to as a mini-stroke—serves as a critical warning sign. Though symptoms may resolve within minutes or hours without permanent damage, TIAs indicate a significantly elevated risk of experiencing a full-blown stroke in the future.

Understanding stroke risk involves looking at a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle-related factors. Many of these risk factors fall into two categories:

Common modifiable risk factors include:

• Hypertension (high blood pressure)

• High cholesterol

• Diabetes or insulin resistance

• Smoking and tobacco use

• Obesity or being overweight

• Physical inactivity or sedentary lifestyle

  
  

These modifiable risks can often be managed or reduced through medical treatment, lifestyle changes, or preventive care. On the other hand, non-modifiable risk factors are outside a person’s control and include:

• Increasing age

• Biological sex (men tend to have strokes at a younger age, but women have a higher lifetime risk)

• Race and ethnicity (e.g., African Americans and Hispanics are at higher risk)

• Genetic predispositions and inherited gene mutations

  
  

Genetic mutations that have been shown to influence stroke risk include:

• NOTCH3 – Associated with CADASIL (Cerebral Autosomal Dominant Arteriopathy with Subcortical Infarcts and Leukoencephalopathy), a rare hereditary disorder that causes recurring strokes and cognitive decline.

  
  

• PCSK9 – This mutation can lead to elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, increasing the likelihood of atherosclerosis and ischemic stroke

  
  

• Factor V Leiden – A common clotting disorder that increases the risk of blood clots, potentially leading to ischemic strokes, especially in younger individuals.

  
  

• MTHFR – Affects the body’s ability to process homocysteine, an amino acid linked to vascular inflammation and an increased risk of stroke when present in high levels.

It’s important to note that stroke risk is often multifactorial. Many individuals may have a combination of both controllable and uncontrollable risk factors. While lifestyle modifications can play a major role in preventing strokes—particularly for those with hypertension, diabetes, or high cholesterol—those with inherited clotting or vascular conditions may require specialized, lifelong monitoring and treatment. Early detection of genetic risk can empower patients and their families to take proactive steps with medical support to minimize the long-term consequences of stroke.

Doctors’ Duties and Stroke Misdiagnosis

Physicians have a legal and ethical duty to promptly identify and respond to signs of stroke, especially when patients present with known risk factors or symptoms that suggest a vascular or neurological emergency. This duty includes evaluating not just immediate symptoms, but also considering long-term risk contributors like genetics, family history, and comorbid conditions. When doctors fail in this responsibility—by ignoring red flags or dismissing early warning signs—the result can be a catastrophic, preventable medical outcome. In such cases, a Philadelphia stroke misdiagnosis may form the basis of a Philadelphia medical malpractice lawsuit.

Philadelphia medical malpractice related to stroke often stems from the failure to recognize and act on transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), unexplained neurological symptoms, or abnormal lab results indicating clotting or lipid abnormalities. 

Common medical errors that may rise to the level of Philadelphia stroke malpractice include:

• Misinterpreting or dismissing stroke symptoms as migraines, anxiety, vertigo, or other less serious conditions

• Ignoring or downplaying the significance of TIAs, which are often a precursor to full strokes

• Failing to conduct a thorough workup when patients have stroke risk indicators, such as prior blood clots or family history

• Not ordering genetic tests for high-risk patients, even when evidence suggests an inherited disorder may be involved

Our Philadelphia stroke misdiagnosis lawyers have seen numerous cases where patients could have been spared serious brain injury—or even death—had physicians acted on available genetic and clinical information. For example, patients with a strong family history of cardiovascular disease, early-onset strokes, or abnormal clotting patterns should often undergo more aggressive screening. When these patients are not properly evaluated and later suffer a stroke, it can point to both clinical negligence and legal liability.

Genetic predispositions are especially critical in identifying patients who require extra care and monitoring. Some of the key gene mutations and their associated conditions that doctors should consider include:

• PCSK9 – Influences LDL cholesterol levels and increases the likelihood of atherosclerosis and ischemic stroke if left unmanaged

• APOE4 – May not only affect the likelihood of stroke but also has implications for post-stroke cognitive decline and recovery

• FVL (Factor V Leiden) – A common inherited mutation that elevates the risk of deep vein thrombosis and ischemic stroke, especially in younger or otherwise healthy individuals

• ANGPTL3 – Affects lipid metabolism and has been associated with abnormal cholesterol profiles, raising long-term vascular risk

  
  

When doctors fail to account for these genetic markers—especially in patients who clearly warrant closer scrutiny—it may constitute a serious breach of the standard of care. In such situations, filing a Philadelphia medical malpractice lawsuit with the help of experienced attorneys can help patients and families pursue justice, recover damages, and prompt accountability in the healthcare system. Our Philadelphia stroke misdiagnosis lawyers are here to help guide you through these complex legal challenges with clarity, compassion, and a strong focus on results.

Philadelphia Stroke Statistics According to the Centers of Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC) 

• How many women have strokes each year? In the United States, more than 795,000 people suffer a stroke annually, and over 57% of stroke fatalities occur in women. Additionally, approximately 1 in every 5 women between the ages of 55 and 75 will experience a stroke in their lifetime.

  
  

• How many men have strokes annually? Around 340,000–350,000 strokes occur in men each year. Of these, approximately 87% are ischemic strokes (~295,000–305,000), and about 13% are hemorrhagic strokes (~45,000–50,000). Strokes in men occur most frequently among those 65 years and older, where incidence rises sharply with age.

  
  

• How much more likely are pregnant women to suffer a stroke compared to non-pregnant peers? Pregnant and postpartum women have about three times higher risk of stroke than nonpregnant women of the same age. 

  
  

• Do young women have a higher risk of stroke than men of the same age? Yes. A meta-analysis indicates that young adult women experience strokes at a rate about 44% higher than men in the same age group. Supporting data from NIH shows women aged 25–44 are more often admitted for ischemic stroke than men in that age group.

  
  

• How much more likely is an obese person to have a stroke? Obesity doubles stroke risk.

  
  

• How many strokes are ischemic vs. hemorrhagic? ~87% ischemic, ~13% hemorrhagic.

  
  

• How many people experience multiple strokes? 1 in 4 stroke survivors will have another stroke.

  
  

• How many people die from stroke annually? Nearly 160,000 Americans die of stroke each year.

  
  

• Do most stroke survivors live with disabilities? Yes, over 60% experience long-term disability. If you suffer from severe preventable disabilities resulting from Philadelphia stroke misdiagnosis, call (267) 490-3988 to receive help with seeking justice for your suffering and lowered quality of life.

  
  

• How much does the stroke cost? Stroke-related costs in the United States came to nearly $56.2 billion between 2019 and 2020. Costs include the cost of health care services, medicines to treat stroke, and missed days of work.

CRISPR Trials Targeting Stroke Risk Factors:

While no CRISPR-based therapy has yet been developed to directly treat or reverse a stroke after it occurs, multiple promising clinical trials are underway targeting the genetic and metabolic conditions that significantly increase stroke risk. By focusing on the root causes of cardiovascular disease—such as lipid abnormalities, vascular inflammation, and genetic amyloid deposits—these trials offer indirect but potentially powerful stroke prevention strategies.

One of the most advanced efforts involves PCSK9 gene editing, led by Verve Therapeutics. Using a base-editing CRISPR technique, this approach aims to permanently silence the PCSK9 gene in liver cells, which in turn dramatically lowers LDL cholesterol—a well-known driver of atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and ischemic strokes. Verve’s therapy, called VERVE-101, has completed early-stage safety testing and is expected to enter Phase 2 trials in 2025. If successful, this one-time gene editing treatment could replace lifelong statin use and reduce the incidence of stroke caused by plaque buildup in cerebral arteries.

Another promising avenue is led by CRISPR Therapeutics, which is targeting the ANGPTL3 gene and lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)), both of which are associated with high cardiovascular and stroke risk. Elevated Lp(a) is particularly difficult to treat with traditional medications and has been recognized as an independent risk factor for ischemic stroke, especially in younger adults and those with a family history of cardiovascular disease. By knocking down these genes with CRISPR-Cas9 technology, the goal is to reduce systemic inflammation, arterial stiffness, and plaque formation—all of which contribute to stroke pathogenesis.

A third relevant trial involves Intellia Therapeutics, which is editing the TTR (transthyretin) gene in patients with hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis. While the primary focus is on preventing cardiac amyloidosis and organ damage, amyloid deposition can also impair cerebral vessels and microcirculation, indirectly influencing stroke risk.

Moreover, this trial demonstrates the expanding reach of CRISPR therapies beyond monogenic blood disorders into complex, systemic conditions that contribute to vascular pathology.

All of these therapies are currently in Phase 1 or Phase 2 clinical trials, meaning they are still being evaluated for safety, dosage optimization, and preliminary efficacy. Yet the potential is extraordinary: by targeting the genetic underpinnings of stroke risk factors, CRISPR therapies could dramatically reduce the number of people who go on to experience a stroke—particularly those with hereditary lipid disorders or early-onset cardiovascular disease. For patients with a family history of stroke, genetically elevated cholesterol, or rare vascular conditions, these developments offer a future where stroke prevention begins at the DNA level, long before symptoms appear.

Early Concepts: Gene Editing for Stroke Prevention Researchers are exploring gene editing for mutations like NOTCH3, which causes CADASIL. Editing MTHFR, APOE4, or FVL variants may someday become viable. These early-stage concepts aim to reduce risks for pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis, and other cardiovascular events.

CRISPR’s Future Role After Stroke Although still experimental, CRISPR may help stroke survivors avoid subsequent strokes by targeting underlying risk mutations. Recurrent strokes tend to be more disabling and potentially fatal. Preventative gene therapy post-first stroke could offer life-extending and disability-reducing potential.

Emerging Role of Gene Therapy in Stroke Recovery, Even After Philadelphia Stroke Misdiagnosis and Malpractice

Recent advances in biomedical science suggest that gene therapy may play a transformative role not only in preventing further strokes but also in improving recovery outcomes—even in cases complicated by stroke misdiagnosis. According to the article "Emerging Role of Gene Therapy in Stroke Recovery" published on ScienceDirect.com, researchers are exploring how gene-editing technologies like CRISPR can be used to repair damaged neural tissue, promote neuroplasticity, and modulate inflammation following a stroke. In the future, targeted genetic interventions may reduce the long-term neurological damage caused by strokes, offering hope to patients who were initially misdiagnosed or inadequately treated. These therapies could be especially impactful for individuals with inherited risk factors, such as mutations in PCSK9 or Factor V Leiden, by modifying gene expression to reduce clotting risk or improve vascular resilience. Beyond prevention, gene therapy may enable the regeneration of brain cells and restoration of lost function, helping survivors regain mobility, speech, or cognitive abilities.

For those who suffered due to delayed diagnosis or improper care, this emerging science could one day offer a second chance at recovery and quality of life.

Link Between Strokes and Thrombophilia, Hemophilia, and Other Blood Clotting Gene Disorders 

Genetic clotting disorders are a significant, yet often under-recognized, contributor to strokes and other serious cardiovascular events. Mutations such as Factor V Leiden, the most common inherited thrombophilia in the United States, and Prothrombin G20210A, a genetic variation affecting the prothrombin gene, can substantially increase the risk of abnormal blood clot formation. These mutations heighten the likelihood of ischemic strokes, where a blood clot blocks blood flow to the brain, particularly in younger patients or those without typical cardiovascular risk factors. Individuals with these mutations have a 3 to 8 times greater risk of venous thromboembolism, and emerging data suggests that 5% to 10% of patients with ischemic strokes may carry underlying clotting gene variants. Additionally, people with clotting disorders are more susceptible to deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), both of which increase the risk for future strokes and other life-threatening cardiovascular complications.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, hemorrhagic strokes, which result from bleeding in or around the brain, can be linked to genetic bleeding disorders such as Hemophilia A, Hemophilia B, or Von Willebrand disease. These conditions result in poor clot formation, making patients vulnerable to spontaneous bleeding, including cerebral hemorrhages. Infants and children with undiagnosed or poorly managed bleeding disorders may suffer catastrophic outcomes during birth or early development if bleeding in the brain goes unrecognized. In fact, studies suggest that up to 10% of hemorrhagic strokes in younger patients may be linked to undiagnosed genetic bleeding conditions.

;kMoreover, gene variants affecting clotting factors, platelet function, and fibrinolysis can influence not only stroke risk but also complicate surgery, childbirth, and injury recovery. Genetic testing for clotting disorders is therefore critical, especially in patients with a family history of stroke, recurrent miscarriages, or unexplained clotting or bleeding episodes. Failure to identify these genetic risks in time—particularly during pregnancy, delivery, or neonatal care—can result in devastating outcomes and may form the basis for a Philadelphia medical malpractice or birth injury claim, especially when earlier intervention could have prevented stroke or long-term disability.

Additionally, anticoagulant overdose (e.g., heparin, enoxaparin) may cause brain bleeding. Philadelphia medical malpractice and defective drug lawsuits involving Xarelto often stem from uncontrolled bleeding due to incorrect doses prescribed by the doctors. 

Verve Therapeutics and CRISPR-Based Cholesterol Reduction

According to the National Institutes of Health, Verve Therapeutics is at the forefront of a transformative approach to stroke prevention using CRISPR base editing targeting the PCSK9 gene, with their therapy VERVE‑101 (now evolving into VERVE‑102) demonstrating remarkable promise in reducing LDL cholesterol and potentially lowering stroke risk—especially relevant in cases of Philadelphia stroke misdiagnosis where underlying cholesterol-driven atherosclerosis may have been overlooked. VERVE‑101, in preclinical studies, achieved durable cholesterol lowering of around 50–69% in non‑human primates with single-dose administration and showed liver PCSK9 protein reductions up to 83%, with effects lasting over 14 months.

These impressive results supported the initiation of the first-in-human Phase I/Phase 1b trial (HEART‑1), in which patients with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) and established ASCVD—including those at elevated risk for stroke—received one intravenous dose. High‑dose recipients saw LDL‑C drop by as much as 55% and PCSK9 protein reduced by up to 84%, sustained through at least six months post-treatment.

Unlike traditional statins or monoclonal antibodies, VERVE‑101/102 offers a single-course, potentially lifesaving intervention, reducing dependence on long-term medication and improving adherence for individuals at high risk of stroke.

The innovative therapy could fill critical gaps in Philadelphia medical malpractice cases that involve Philadelphia stroke misdiagnosis, where early warning signs of chronic high LDL‑C or familial hypercholesterolemia were missed or untreated. Addressing genetic drivers of stroke early—such as PCSK9 overactivity—might prevent future strokes in patients harmed by delayed or incorrect diagnosis.

Looking ahead, VERVE‑102, Verve’s next-generation base‑editing therapy, is now in expanded Phase 1b/2 trials and benefits from fast‑track status with the U.S. FDA. It targets broader adult populations at high cardiovascular risk, aiming to permanently reduce PCSK9 gene activity and reduce stroke incidence more widely.

Eli Lilly’s proposed acquisition of Verve Therapeutics further underscores the potential impact of this technology on cardiovascular care—perhaps even altering the trajectory for patients affected by medical negligence in stroke cases.

As the most advanced CRISPR-linked stroke‑prevention therapy to date, VERVE‑101/102 represents both a scientific milestone and a potential legal turning point. In situations where high cholesterol or genetic risk factors contributed to a Philadelphia stroke misdiagnosis, this one-and-done intervention offers hope—not only for prevention but also for redefining standards of care in gene-based cardiovascular disease management.

Cancer and CRISPR: Expanding Hope Gene editing is advancing quickly in cancer care.

Though still in early use, therapies now exist for:

• Leukemia and lymphoma

• Sickle cell disease

• Beta thalassemia

• Spinal muscular atrophy

CRISPR may someday reduce the need for chemotherapy, especially in genetically identified patients. Examples of actionable cancer mutations include:

• BRCA1/BRCA2 (breast/ovarian cancer)

• TP53 (multiple cancers)

• EGFR (lung cancer)

• KRAS (pancreatic, colon)

• RET (thyroid)

• BRAF (melanoma)

• MLH1/MSH2 (colorectal cancer)

• PALB2 (breast cancer)

• PTEN (brain, uterine)

• CDH1 (gastric, lobular breast cancer)

• VHL (kidney cancer)

• APC (colon cancer)

Some women undergo prophylactic mastectomies after learning they carry BRCA1/2 mutations. When doctors fail to offer testing despite strong family histories, that may constitute Philadelphia cancer medical malpractice. A false-positive diagnosis of a cancer-linked gene mutation may be grounds for a medical malpractice lawsuit, especially if it led to unnecessary breast resection or other invasive preventive treatments based on a mistaken belief that cancer was likely to develop.

The Future of Gene Editing and Legal Advocacy 

CRISPR may one day replace chemotherapy and become a mainstream treatment for congenital disorders (e.g., Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Down syndrome). Currently, OB-GYNs must inform expecting parents of suspected fetal abnormalities. Failure to do so may be grounds for pregnancy misdiagnosis claims. The world’s first in vivo CRISPR treatment, recently performed at CHOP—Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia—has given hope to parents and future parents that congenital genetic disorders could be treated immediately after birth, potentially preventing developmental delays and helping newborns thrive before they begin to struggle with missed milestones. 

Genetic conditions such as Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome (Trisomy 18), Patau syndrome (Trisomy 13), Turner syndrome, cystic fibrosis, spinal muscular atrophy, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and certain neural tube defects can often be detected during prenatal or perinatal testing through ultrasounds, noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT), amniocentesis, or chorionic villus sampling (CVS). When clear warning signs of these conditions are visible on imaging or advanced testing and healthcare providers fail to diagnose or communicate the findings, it may constitute medical negligence and serve as grounds for a birth injury and Philadelphia medical malpractice claim.

Medical Malpractice, Prevention, and Legal Support - Contact the Hoover Medical Malpractice Law Firm 

While not all strokes or cancers can be prevented, many result from preventable medical errors. Misdiagnosis, delayed treatment, and failure to offer genetic testing can all lead to devastating outcomes.

If you or your loved one suffered due to Philadelphia stroke misdiagnosis, Philadelphia cancer misdiagnosis, or birth injury related to untreated genetic conditions, contact our Philadelphia medical malpractice lawyers. Our Philadelphia stroke malpractice lawyer team works on a contingency fee basis. We only get paid if we win or settle your case.

We offer free consultations and travel to meet you wherever you are—home, hospital, or elsewhere. Don’t wait. Reach out to the Philadelphia stroke misdiagnosis lawyers you can trust.

Call us today at (267) 490-3988 to schedule your free consultation with our attorney!