A virus that was instrumental in eradicating smallpox is now showing promise as a potential cancer treatment. A genetically engineered strain of vaccinia, better known as the smallpox vaccine, kept rabbits' liver tumors in check in a new study. The virus is now headed toward trials with human patients.
The researchers began by removing two genes from a vaccinia virus that are necessary for its growth in normal cells. Thus, the virus is restricted to growing inside cancer cells, which happen to express high levels of similar genes that the virus can co-opt.
The cancer might be knocked out altogether by higher doses of the virus or combining it with other medications, says Thorne. He has been in discussions with the Food and Drug Administration to start trials of the virus in human patients with any form of solid tumor cancer. Thorne expects trials to begin early next year. |
Weapon Against Smallpox Aimed at Cancer
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