Longer lifetime of cancer by viruses

Biotherapy: A virus caused cancer patients to live longer

11/02/2013

According to a scientific study, apparently genetically modified viruses can significantly increase the life expectancy of patients suffering from liver cancer. The subjects, who otherwise have a short lifetime after diagnosis, could live according to the researchers, an average of 14.1 months.

Scientists report in the journal "Nature Medicine" on a positive result of a research work. One study claims to have extended the lifetime of liver cancer patients. A total of 16 subjects participated in the study. For four weeks, a modified virus was given in high doses. „Thereafter, patients lived on average for another 14.1 months“, the scientists write in their report. In order to secure the result, 14 other life cancer patients were given only low doses of Pexa-Vec or JX-594. Here the further average life span was only 6.7 months.

Killed tumors and stopped further emergence
"For the first time in the history of medicine, we have proven that a genetically modified virus can increase the life expectancy of cancer patients," says study author David Kirn from the biotherapy company „Jennerex“ in California. In his view, there would now be hope for effective treatment options if cancer tumors are already very advanced. The treatment could „Killing tumors and preventing the formation of new ones“.

Despite all advances in medicine, science has not been able to find an effective remedy for most types of cancer in the past 30 years. Despite biological agents and chemotherapy, most cancers are considered incurable if metastases already develop. „That's why we need effective immunotherapies“, says Kirn.

The agent Pexa-Vec is specially programmed and therefore proliferates in the cancer cells. Within these, the viruses destroy the negative cells. In addition, the immune system of the cancer patient is stimulated so that it proceeds against the cancer cells.

In both groups of volunteers, the researchers found that the size of the tumor was reduced and the supply of blood to the carcinoma decreased. Accordingly, effects with „low and high doses, but with different results“ be achieved.

Viral drug was used as a punch protection
The viral agent is derived from the vaccinia virus used, for example, in the smallpox vaccination. According to the physicians, no strong side effects occurred. At most flu-like symptoms such as chills or body aches were observed for one to two days. One patient suffered from nausea and vomiting.

But we can not yet speak of a secured result. Therefore, now follows a second study with significantly more study participants. The first investigation of this kind is to be done with another 120 people. (Sb)

Picture: Gerd Altmann