‘Hitch-Hiking’ Viral Therapy Deals a Double Blow to Cancer
Scientists have shown how a promising viral therapy that delivers a double blow to cancer can sneak up on tumors undetected by hitching a ride on blood cells.
The work, led by researchers from the University of Leeds and The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR), reveals how the ‘hitch-hiking’ virus is shielded from antibodies in the blood stream that might otherwise neutralize its anti-cancer properties.
The findings, from a study in patients, suggest that viral therapies like this can be effectively injected into the bloodstream during routine outpatient appointments – just like standard chemotherapy agents – making them potentially suitable for use against a wide range of cancers.
Reovirus is a promising new way of treating cancer that attacks the disease on two fronts. Not only does the virus kill cancer cells directly, but it also triggers an immune response – like a vaccine – that helps eliminate residual cancer cells.
Many patient trials of reovirus are currently underway, including several in the UK led by the same University of Leeds and ICR scientists. Up until now, however, doctors have not been sure about the best way to deliver the experimental treatment. Although the virus can be injected directly into tumors, this is a relatively complicated procedure requiring considerable technical expertise. This delivery method also makes it difficult to treat tumors deep within the body, such as the liver, lungs, pancreas, and stomach.
Researchers had been concerned that reovirus might not reach the tumors it was supposed to treat if it was delivered intravenously, like standard chemotherapy agents are. They had expected that antibodies in the blood would mop up and neutralize the virus before it arrived at its intended target.
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