UK scientists said cancer-killing virus showed promising results in patients

UK scientists said that a new type of cancer therapy where a common virus is used to infect and destroy harmful cells is showing big promise in early human trials.

It was found that the cancer cells of one patient vanished while others saw their tumors shrink. This new drug is a weekend form of herpes simplex, a cold sore virus. This virus has been modified to kill tumors. A longer and larger range of studies is needed for this treatment. However, the experts say that the injection might ultimately offer a lifeline to people with advanced cancer.

This injection with the virus is given directly into the tumor. This attacks cancer in two ways- firstly, it attacks the cancer cells and makes them burst then it activates the immune system. Approximately 40 patients have tried the treatment as part of the trial. Some patients were given RP2, the virus injection, on its own. Others along with RP2 also received another cancer drug called nivolumab.

According to the result presented at a medical conference in Paris, three out of nine patients who were only given RP2 saw their tumor shrink. Nine out of thirty patients who were given Nivolumab along with RP2 also benefited.  Moreover, the side effects were mild.