Cancer-killing virus introduced to humans for the first time as part of an experiment! The specialized portal Science Alert reported about a revolutionary, perhaps, event in the world of oncology, and the Foundation staff carefully analyzed the report of scientists!
The drug’s developers, Los Angeles-based City of Hope Research Center and Australian biotechnology company Imugene, have officially announced the start of the first human clinical trial. What is the idea of a new method of cancer treatment?
A modified smallpox virus (CF33-hNIS or Vaxinia) is administered to a person suffering from cancer. Vaxinia selectively infects and destroys cancer cells. The virus enters human cells and reproduces itself. The infected cell releases thousands of new viral particles that act as antigens and in turn stimulate the immune system to attack nearby cancer cells. In this case, human health is not harmed.
It should be noted that animal tests have shown good results! But this is the first time such a drug has been tested in humans.
“Previous research shows that oncolytic viruses can stimulate the human immune system to find and destroy cancer, as well as make the body more receptive to other types of immunotherapy,” said City of Hope Research Center oncologist Daneng Lee, who led the study.
According to surgical oncologist Suzanne Warner, the oncolytic virus trains the immune system to target a specific cancer cell.
“This means that if such a cancer cell ever tries to grow again, the immune system will be ready to destroy it,” she assures.
Up to 100 patients with advanced forms of cancer, with metastases or large tumors will be able to take part in the first phase of the trial. Such studies will last two years. In several clinics, patients will try to cure different types of cancer. And then, with successful results, such a drug can be allowed for mass use.
