New research suggests that scientists may be able to turn a long-time germ foe into a cancer fighting ally. A genetically modified version of the herpes virus has shown promise in treating difficult-to-eradicate tumors, with one patient having experienced a complete remission for 15 months so far. The early success of the treatment will need more research.
Most cases of oral herpes in humans, as well as some cases of genital herpes, are caused by a strain of herpes simplex 1 that is genetically engineered. The company Replimune has created a product that works on two fronts. The vaccine is supposed to kill certain cancer cells. It hijacks the machinery of these cells to produce another molecule called GM-CSF, which is also blocked by it. The changes to the cellular structure will weaken the cancer's ability to hide.
In a Phase I trial conducted by scientists at The Institute of Cancer Research and The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust in the UK, RP2 was given as the only treatment to nine patients with advanced cancer that failed to respond to other therapies. Three patients on RP2 alone appeared to respond to the treatment, and seven patients on the combination therapy responded as well. A patient with a form of carcinoma along his salivary glands has shown no signs of cancer for at least 15 months after treatment with the drug. There were no life-threatening adverse events reported in the trial, with the most common symptoms being a cold or flu.
The findings presented this week at the ESMO are preliminary and have not yet been reviewed by a peer review committee. They are based on a very small sample size and should not be taken lightly. Phase I trials are meant to show that the treatment is safe for humans to take. The team argues that the fact that some people with cancer seem to be responding to it is a good sign.
Kevin Harrington, professor of Biological Cancer Therapies at The Institute of Cancer Research, said, "Our study shows that a genetically engineered, cancer-killing virus can deliver a one-two punch against tumors."
Scientists have been hoping for a long time for a cure for cancer. It has been a long time since this hope has been paying off. The first viral therapy for advanced cases of melanoma was approved in the U.S. Scientists in California launched a Phase I clinical trial in May of this year. Other companies are also working on their own candidates. Two other candidates are being developed by Replimune.
It is possible that some of the Viruses could one day become a new standard cancer treatment.
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