A modified herpes virus is now being heralded for shrinking tumours in terminal cancer patients.
Researchers at the Institute of Cancer Research, London, and the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, have trialled the use of a modified herpes virus in the treatment of cancerous tumours. They reported positive results from their phase I clinical trial at a conference in Paris, the 2022 European Society for Medical Oncology Congress.
'Our study shows that a genetically engineered, cancer-killing virus can deliver a one-two punch against tumours – directly destroying cancer cells from within while also calling in the immune system against them,' said Professor Kevin Harrington, who led the study.
The modified herpes simplex virus, named RP2, was trialled in 39 patients with a range of cancers that had all failed to respond to common cancer treatments. Nine patients were given RP2 alone, while the remaining 30 were given it in combination with the immunotherapy nivolumab.
In all patients, RP2 was injected directly into the tumours where it multiplied inside of the cancerous cells, causing them to burst. RP2 had also been modified to produce molecules that activate the immune system, effectively sending a signal to the body's natural defences to attack the tumour.
Three of the nine patients given RP2 alone saw their tumours shrink, with one person's tumour disappearing completely. Seven of the other 30 patients who received RP2 and nivolumab also benefited from the treatment.
The herpes virus is known for causing cold sores, and the concept of using viruses to combat disease is not novel, with previous success in the treatment of prostate cancer (see BioNews 833). However, harnessing viruses for safe and effective treatment in humans has remained challenging.
Professor Harrington added, 'It is rare to see such good response rates in early-stage clinical trials, as their primary aim is to test treatment safety and they involve patients with very advanced cancers for whom current treatments have stopped working.'
The team found that most of the side effects of RP2 were mild, such as fever and fatigue, with none requiring medical intervention.
Professor Kristian Helin, chief executive of the Institute of Cancer Research, said, 'It's a small study but the initial findings are promising. I very much hope that as this research expands, we see patients continue to benefit.'
Sources and References
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Genetically modified herpes virus delivers one-two punch against advanced cancers
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An open-label, multicenter, phase I study of RP2 as a single agent and in combination with nivolumab in patients with solid tumors: Safety, efficacy, and biomarker results
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Cancer-killing virus shows promise in patients
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Scientists turn herpes virus into a cancer-killer
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Genetically-engineered herpes virus can beat cancer: Scientists find tumours in terminally ill patients are eradicated or shrunk by groundbreaking new therapy
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'Miracle' herpes treatment eradicates tumours in terminally-ill cancer patients
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