An experimental treatment using a modified virus has managed to halt the progression of pancreatic cancer in three patients during an initial clinical trial. The therapy is injected directly into the tumor, preventing its growth and spread. For the public, this represents new hope against one of the most aggressive and difficult-to-treat cancers, opening the door to more effective and less invasive therapies.
Viral mechanism: direct attack on the tumor core 🧬
The oncolytic virus, designed to infect and destroy cancer cells without harming healthy ones, is administered via ultrasound-guided intratumoral injection. Once inside, the virus replicates, breaks down malignant cells, and triggers an immune response against the tumor. In this phase 1 trial, the pancreatic tumors of the three patients stopped growing or shrank. Researchers are now seeking to optimize the dose and combine it with immunotherapy to enhance the effect.
The virus tumors didn't expect at their party 🎉
It turns out that while pancreatic tumors thought they were untouchable in their corner of the pancreas, an uninvited virus showed up and ruined their party. The patients, for their part, did not have to undergo endless sessions of chemo or radiation; just a direct injection to the core. If this works on a large scale, tumors will have to start fearing not only doctors, but also laboratory colds.