Scientists have discovered that a herpes simplex virus that has been genetically modified can destroy or decrease cancerous tumors in terminally ill people.
In an early experiment at the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) in London, patients were injected with a weakened form of the herpes simplex virus that has been engineered to kill cancer cells.
The injection is administered directly into the tumor, which it attacks in two ways: by infiltrating the cells and causing them to burst, and by boosting the immune system.
On 39 cancer patients, including those with cutaneous, oesophageal, and head and neck tumors, RP2 was evaluated.
A patient from West London who was able to return to work as a builder praised the medicine as a “genuine miracle.
Overall, the tumors in three out of nine patients treated with RP2 shrank. Seven of thirty individuals who received both the medication and immunotherapy improved.
Although larger studies are required, the medicine may provide a lifeline for patients with advanced cancer.
In May of 2017, Krzysztof Wojtkowski, age 39, was diagnosed with Mucoepidermoid carcinoma, a form of salivary gland cancer.
After undergoing many operations to remove his tumors, he was informed that no more therapy choices were available.
He had injections every two weeks for five weeks, which removed his cancer.
There is no other way to characterize the fact that I have been cancer-free for two years than a miracle.
I can now work as a builder and spend time with my family; there is nothing I cannot accomplish.
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.’
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.
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 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.’
