Scientists have discovered that tumours in terminally ill patients were destroyed or decreased using a revolutionary new therapy utilizing a herpes virus that has been genetically modified.
A preliminary trial at the Institute for Cancer Research (ICR) in London revealed that a modified version of the herpes simplex virus shown efficacy in one-fourth of terminal cancer patients.
The infection, which also causes oral and sexually transmitted sores, combats cancer by creating molecules that stimulate the immune system, infecting and eliminating the cancer, and therefore preventing its spread.
It was evaluated on 39 cancer patients, including those with cutaneous, oesophageal, and head and neck tumours.
A patient from West London described his ability to return to work as a builder as a “genuine miracle.”
Scientists have discovered that terminally ill individuals whose tumors were destroyed by a genetically modified herpes virus represent the new hope for cancer treatment. Pictured: Stock photograph
In May of 2017, 39-year-old Krzysztof Wojkowski was diagnosed with Mucoepidermoid carcinoma, a type of salivary gland cancer; after undergoing many operations, he was informed that there were no other therapeutic options.
He had injections every two weeks for five weeks, which removed his cancer totally. There is no other way to characterize the fact that I have been cancer-free for two years than a miracle.
There’s nothing I can’t accomplish now that I’m allowed to work as a builder again and spend time with my family.
Mr. Wojkowski stated, ‘I was told I had no remaining alternatives and was receiving end-of-life care; it was awful, therefore it was fantastic that I was offered the opportunity to participate in the experiment at The Royal Marsden; it was my last hope.’
It was tested on 39 patients with cancers such as cutaneous, oesophageal, and head and neck, including a West London patient who praised it as a “genuine miracle” when he was able to return to work as a builder (stock image of woman supporting patient)
After presenting the study at the European Society of Medical Oncology Congress, the research team intends to go on to larger-scale trials (ESMO).
Professor Kevin Harrington, Professor of Biological Cancer Therapies at The Institute of Cancer Research, London, stated, ‘Our study demonstrates that a genetically engineered, cancer-killing virus can deliver a one-two punch against tumors – directly destroying cancer cells from the inside while also activating the immune system to attack them.
Oral herpes can be transmitted by kissing or brushing.
Herpes 1, or oral herpes, is the most prevalent virus strain, affecting approximately two-thirds of those under the age of 50.
Herpes orale derives its name from the fact that it primarily creates sores or blisters around the lips.
In contrast, vaginal and anal HSV-1 lesions have become more prevalent during the past few decades.
These areas are mostly affected by HSV 2, or genital herpes, which is less prevalent, affecting just approximately 16 percent of the population.
During epidemic outbreaks, both viruses are highly transmissible.
HSV 1 can be transmitted through kissing and the sharing of toothbrushes and utensils.
In contrast, genital herpes is often transmitted solely by sexual contact.
There is no cure for the HSV 2 virus, which remains in a person’s body for many years or their entire life.
However, antiviral medications can contain outbreaks and lower the danger of transmission.
Or at least they could have, prior to HSV 2 and HSV 1 engaging in’sex’
NHS/ Healthline as the originating source
The Consultant Oncologist at The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust added, ‘It is uncommon to see such high response rates in early-stage clinical trials, as their primary objective is to test treatment safety and they involve patients with extremely advanced cancers for whom current treatments have failed.
Initial trial results indicate that a genetically engineered form of the herpes virus may offer a new treatment option for some patients with advanced malignancies, particularly those who have not responded to previous immunotherapies. I am eager to see if we continue to observe improvements as the number of patients we treat grows.
The genetically modified RP2 virus, which is injected directly into tumors, is designed to combat tumors in two ways.
It multiplies inside cancer cells to explode them from the inside, and it disables a protein called CTLA-4, so removing the brakes on the immune system and enhancing its potential to kill cancer cells.
Three out of nine patients treated for herpes showed improvement, while one patient with salivary gland cancer saw his tumor vanish completely and remain cancer-free 15 months after beginning treatment.
Seven out of thirty patients who got both RP2 and the immunotherapy nivolumab had clinical improvement.
In the group, four out of nine patients with melanoma skin cancer, two out of eight patients with uveal melanoma eye cancer, and one out of three patients with head and neck cancer saw a halt or reduction in their cancer’s growth.
Six of the seven patients who benefited from the combination after 14 months remained progression-free.
Professor Kristian Helin, CEO of The Institute of Cancer Research in London, stated, “Viruses are one of humanity’s oldest foes, as we all saw during the epidemic.” Our new research implies, however, that we can utilize some of the characteristics that make them formidable foes in order to infect and kill cancer cells.
It’s a small study, but the preliminary results are encouraging. I sincerely hope that as this study grows, patients will continue to benefit.’