This is a step that could be crucial in the fight against cancer. American researchers have started the phase of clinical trials on humans of a new genetically modified virus. Called Vaxinia, it is a “cancer killer” virus.
Previous animal tests have shown it to be able to shrink colon, lung, breast, ovary and pancreas tumors. In addition, the inoculation of the virus made it possible to boost the immune system, making it more receptive to immunotherapies.
“Our research has shown that oncolytic viruses can stimulate the immune system to kill cancer cells, but also stimulate it to be more responsive to other immunotherapies, including immune checkpoint inhibitors,” says Dr. Dr. Daneng Li, oncologist and director of this groundbreaking research.
“It is time to further enhance the power of immunotherapy. And we believe Vaxinia can actually improve outcomes for our cancer-fighting patients. “We hope to harness the promise of virology and immunotherapy to treat a wide variety of deadly cancers. »
The clinical trials will be conducted on around 100 patients, all of whom have undergone at least two cancer treatments in the past. In particular, scientists are trying to determine the optimal dose of virus to inject.