Cold virus 'carnivorous' bladder cancer cells

Virus enters the cancer cell and activates immune proteins, alerting other immune cells to come and destroy cancer.

On July 4, researchers at the University of Surrey, UK, announced the discovery of a cold coxsackie virus CVA21 that could destroy bladder cancer cells. Post-operative patient tests show that the virus not only locates and kills cancer cells but also reproduces itself, increasing the effectiveness of tumor destruction.

This virus can kill cancer cells by activating immune proteins.

Professor Hardev Pandha, the Cancer Center at Surrey University, said: "The virus can enter into cancer cells and kill them by activating immune proteins , becoming signals for cells. Other immunizations come and destroy. "

Urine samples taken from patients taking experimental treatments showed the effect of cold viruses. Once the infected cancer cells die, the virus continues to multiply to attack other bad cells.

"Tumors decreased, the number of dead cancer cells increased rapidly in all patients. The regression of the disease only occurred in one week of treatment, indicating the potential effectiveness of the method. In addition, there were no patients. Serious side effects appear, " Pandha said.

Scientists plan to conduct other trials in many patients, combining the use of viruses and targeted therapeutic immunosuppressants as a starting point inhibitor to halt the immune system's attack on cancer cells. .

"We are very excited about this test. The virus will penetrate the tumor and multiply like a virus factory , " Pandha said. He judged that this was a potential breakthrough.

Current bladder cancer can be treated with invasive techniques to remove the tumor. Scientists hope to create a revolution in treating bladder cancer using cold viruses.

"The study helps transform the way cancer is treated like chemotherapy , " said Dr. Nicola Annel, a member of the Surrey University team.