Cancer-killing virus treatment shows promise against brain tumour
Glioblastoma is the most common and fatal type of brain cancer.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A cancer-killing virus has shown promise in tackling an aggressive type of brain tumour, researchers say.
Certain viruses selectively target and kill cancer cells while leaving healthy cells unharmed.
They have been tested widely against the cancer, called glioblastoma, but delivering these treatments is challenging.
In the new early stage study, researchers from Queen Mary University of London, the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Capital Medical University in Beijing tested the new treatment in eight patients.
They found that it was safe and effective, and complete remission was achieved in one patient.
Glioblastoma is the most common and fatal type of brain cancer, with most patients surviving fewer than 14 months after diagnosis.
Tumour recurrence is common, and existing treatments have limited success.
Professor Yaohe Wang, co-lead author of the study and inventor of the virus being tested, said: “Most existing oncolytic viruses are ineffective at low doses and too toxic at higher doses.
“The key challenge is how to increase efficacy without causing harmful side effects.
“We believe our approach offers a way forward.”
Prof Wang added: “It’s like yin and yang.
“This virus enhances the positive signals that encourage the immune system to attack the tumour, but it could also be paired with treatments that block the tumour’s ability to suppress the immune system.”
The researchers genetically engineered an adenovirus (a type of virus typically associated with common colds) to deliver potent immune-boosting proteins.
The protein can inhibit tumour growth but is very toxic in its natural form.
To overcome this, the team engineered a version that restricts its release from cells, limiting it to the area surrounding the tumour and preventing it from building up to high levels throughout the body.
Next the team plans to progress to phase 2 clinical trials where the effectiveness of the treatment can be more fully assessed in a larger group of patients.
The findings are published in the Nature Communications journal.