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Scientists have injected the first human with a new cancer-killing virus. This is the Vaxinia virus, designed to specifically target cancer cells.
In 2018, nearly 382,000 new cases of cancer were diagnosed in France. This disease is the leading cause of death in men and the second in women. An immuno-oncology company – City of Hope and Imugene Limited – is now advancing a new weapon against this scourge. It is an oncolytic virus, which targets cancer cells while simultaneously increasing the immune response to cancer.
A first viral oncolytic therapy is underway in humans
Already successfully tested on animals, the Vaxinia virus is officially the subject of a first clinical trial in humans. A total of 100 participants – with metastatic or advanced solid tumors – will receive the oncolytic virus (a genetically modified virus).
“Our previous research has demonstrated that oncolytic viruses can stimulate the immune system to respond and kill cancer, but also activate the immune system to be more responsive to other immunotherapies, including checkpoint inhibitors“said Daneng Li MD, Principal Investigator of City of Hope’s Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutic Research.
Checkpoint inhibitors are new immunotherapy drugs that have revolutionized cancer treatment (melanoma was the first to benefit from them, but today the indications for these treatments are much broader: lung cancer , triple negative breast…). But some patients relapse, no longer or barely respond to these immunotherapies. According to the first results in animals, oncolytic viruses could improve the effectiveness of these treatments.
In other words, the virus would not only destroy cancer cells, but would also cause them to “reveal themselves” to the immune system, thus becoming more recognizable and vulnerable when immunotherapy is combined.
The first trial should compare an administration of this virus directly into the tumor or intravenously. Once the safety of this drug has been assured and its ideal dosage has been determined, other patients will receive the virus combined with immunotherapy.
If the first trial proves to be a success, patients with cancerous tumors of the colon, lung, breast, ovary or pancreas could benefit from it.
Consult an oncologist online
Cancer and recurrence: risk factors
Symptoms of cancer may disappear for a time, sometimes several years, before the disease reappears. This is called a recurrence or relapse – that is, the reappearance of cancer cells, in the same place or in another area of the body.
Certain “factors” provide information on the risk of this cancer recurrence. These are the age, the size of the tumour, the grade of the cancer, overweight or obesity… Each cancer has its own “risk factors for recurrence”.
To avoid a relapse or spot it as early as possible, following doctors’ recommendations is essential, as is going to all scheduled consultations / carrying out all examinations (blood tests, scanners, ultrasounds, etc.). Leading a healthy lifestyle is also essential. Tobacco, alcohol or fatty products must be reduced or even eliminated.