There have been significant advances in the treatment of cancer over the last five years.
In addition to progress in the development of targeted therapy, virus therapy has emerged as another new possible therapeutic option.
The use of viruses is based on early observations in the mid-1950s that showed some viruses could infect and kill certain cancer blood cells.
A new type of cancer therapy derived from a modified herpes virus has shown promise related to its cancer-killing properties.
The drug is formed from a weakened type of the cold sore virus, which has been modified to kill tumours.
One patient found their cancer had vanished while others reported shrinkage in their tumours.
Cautious researchers warn that larger trials are needed, however, the injection treatment might be key component when it comes to those suffering with advanced types of cancers.
Krzysztof Wojkowski, 39, a builder from West London, joined the trial of the new drug and saw his cancer disappearing.
Wojkowski was diagnosed with Mucoepidermoid carcinoma, a type of salivary gland cancer, back in May 2017.
Before joining the trial, Wojkowski had lost all hope after being told there were no treatment options left.
After multiple surgeries he joined the RP2 trial at The Royal Marsden in 2020.
"I was told there were no options left for me and I was receiving end of life care. It was devastating, so it was incredible to be given the chance to join the trial at The Royal Marsden, it was my final lifeline,” he explained.
"I had injections every two weeks for five weeks, which completely eradicated my cancer. I've been cancer-free for two years now, it's a true miracle, there is no other word to describe it.
"I've been able to work as a builder again and spend time with my family; there's nothing I can't do.”
Wojkowski was among 40 other trial participants who were given the virus injection known as RP2.
RP2 is a genetically modified herpes simplex type 1 virus that is designed to directly destroy tumours and to generate an anti-tumour immune response.
Participants were given either the RP2 or another cancer drug known as nicolumab.
The findings, presented at a medical conference in Paris, found that:
- Three out of nine patients given RP2 only, which included Krzysztof, saw their tumours shrink
- Seven out of 30 who had combined treatment also appeared to benefit
- Side effects, such as tiredness, were generally mild.
Reducing the melanoma tumour
According to UCLA Health, the herpes virus has previously shown promise in reducing tumours caused by melanoma.
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that can spread to other organs in the body.
The site explains that it is “a genetically modified version of the herpes simplex virus that causes cold sores but is safe to use”.
It added that it has “been approved for the treatment of melanoma, and it works both by directly killing cancer cells and using a protein that attracts immune cells into the cancers”.
The findings are based on a small-scale early trial, and more research and larger studies are needed.
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