Viruses have the ability to attack cancer cells (Photo: Unsplash)
Scientists in the United States and Australia have conducted the first human trials of a virus that promises to kill cancer cells. Known as vaccinia, a genetically modified organism can replicate disordered cells while preserving healthy cells, according to researchers at the biotechnology company Imugene and the City of Hope Cancer Research and Treatment Center in Los Angeles, United States. and can end. And
The first trial in humans marks the start of Phase 1 clinical studies that aim to develop treatments for colon, lung, breast, ovarian and pancreas cancer tumors. Researchers say the virus can modulate the immune system and increase the level of a protein called PD-L1 in tumors, making this therapy more effective.
The virus is injected directly into the tumor or injected intravenously at low doses. The initial aim is to assess the safety of the treatment in advanced stage patients.
“Our previous research has demonstrated that oncolytic viruses can stimulate the immune system to respond to and kill cancer, as well as cause it to be more responsive to other immunotherapies, including immune control inhibitors,” said Daneng Li. MD, professor in the department of medical oncology and clinical research at the City of Hope National Medical Center.
If the intervention proves safe, the scientists expect another 100 patients to be recruited in the United States and Australia to continue the study. This trial phase is expected to take up to 24 months to complete in participants who have undergone at least 2 other treatments.
“Now is the time to further enhance the power of immunotherapy, and we believe that CF33-hNIS [nome científico do vírus] The fight against cancer has the potential to improve outcomes for our patients.”
Before starting human studies, the scientists conducted tests on animals that showed a good response to the tests, especially in shrinking tumors. The researchers caution that the same results are not always observed in humans, but they are optimistic about it.
“We hope to capitalize on the promise of virology and immunotherapy to treat a variety of malignant cancers,” said Yuman Fong MD, another scientist in the group on the Oncolytic Virotherapy Platform.
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