Applying the full reprogramming process to an adult organism would be dangerous because the resulting pluripotent cells could form tumors known as teratomas.
More serious risks include pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, and kidney injury from dehydration, and both molecules carry a boxed warning for thyroid C-cell tumors.
Now researchers are investigating whether certain cancers, such as breast cancer, could be added to that list.
—
Lori Youmshajekian,
Scientific American,
8 June 2026
Over time, follow-on R&D added over 40 indications across numerous cancers — including early-stage applications that allow treatment to begin before cancer worsens.
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