Genetically modified viruses can cure cancer

According to the research results of scientists published in the medical journal, Nature Medicine on February 10, a genetically modified virus tested in 30 patients with end-stage liver cancer can help them last longer. life, destroy tumors and prevent the development of new tumors.

According to the results, 16 patients received high-dose therapy on average 14.1 months compared with an average of 6.7 months for 14 low-dose users. The four-week treatment period with Pexa-Vec, also known as JX-594, can help treat developed hard tumors.

The study co-author David Kirn said: ' For the first time in medical history, we have demonstrated that a genetically modified virus can prolong life for cancer patients .'

Although there have been advances in the treatment of cancer in the past 30 years by both chemotherapy and biology, most hard tumors cannot be destroyed once they have metastasized (spread to muscles other).

The Pexa-Vec vaccine is prepared to kill cancer cells while helping the patient's immune system to withstand the cancer itself.

Researcher Kirn also said: ' The results showed that treatment with Pexa-Vec in high or low doses reduced tumor size and reduced the blood flow provided to the tumor. These data further demonstrate that treatment with Pexa-Vec produces an immune response to tumors. '

However, the authors of the study said a larger-scale trial is needed to verify this result and therefore, the next phase, they conducted trials with about 120 patients.

In addition, Pexa-Vec vaccine is also being tested for other types of cancer.