Good virus: genetic modification fights aggressive skin cancer

Viruses are genetically modified and designed to selectively reach and destroy only cancer cells

If you can’t beat your enemy, join him. The old saying that makes sense in life also applies to science. It is known that a virus needs a living cell to multiply. And some of them, such as Herpes Simplex (Herpes virus), leave their genetic material in the host cell inactive for a long time (latent infection), but waiting for the right time to cause diseases. If it is “impossible” to overcome them, perhaps modifying and using them in favor of a treatment can be a good option. Science had to adapt the popular saying with the help of genetic modification to develop onculitic viruses.

“These viruses are genetically modified and projected organisms to selectively infect and destroy only cancer cells. Their clinical relevance has grown a lot in recent years with several articles that show the effectiveness for the treatment of more aggressive skin cancer, melanoma. For the American guidelines. Comprehensive Cancer Network)”, explains Ramon Andrade de Mello, oncologist of San Paolo and vice -president of Brasilian Cancer Society.

“Not only that, while attacking the skin tumor, it releases the antigens, a small fraction of the tumor, which is presented to the defense cells, stimulating the immune system to recognize and fight the tumor”, adds the doctor.

An example of success is Talimogegen Laherparepvec (T-VEC), a virus derived from the simple Herpes modified to attack cancer cells on the skin. The treatment is not yet available in Brazil.

Melanoma is the type of most aggressive skin cancer, with high risk of metastases if not identified in advance. According to the doctor, in clinical terms, treatment with onculitic viruses can be important for the remission of the disease and even to avoid the impact, since the release of antigen tends to be recognized by the immune system, making it more “aware” and “attentive” to this type of cancer.

“The T-VEC works by infecting the cancer cells, replicating inside and finally causing their destruction,” says the doctor. “Clinical studies have shown that patients with advanced melanoma treated with oncolinic viruses have a higher response rate to prolonged treatment and survival than isolated conventional therapies.”

A recent study It has also identified that this type of modified virus can be effective against basal cell carcinomas, the most common form of skin cancer.

“Unlike melanoma, which has a genetic cause and is rarer and more aggressive, basal cell carcinomas occur in areas exposed to the chronically exposed sun, such as the face, therefore the main factor related to the development of this type of skin cancer is environmental and non -genetic. The main approach to this cancer is surgical, but locally advanced tumors can be difficult to treat surgically. led to a reduction in the dimension of basalcellular carcinoma in all participants in the study, which not only have improved surgical removal, but also led to a complete regression of the tumor in some patients “, explains Ramon. This study has been recent since January 2025 and has been published in the magazine Nature Cancer.

The oncologist says that clinical tests show that therapy is safe. “As regards adverse effects, the most common include fever, fatigue, pain in the injection site and symptoms similar to flu. In some cases intense inflammatory reactions may occur, which require medical monitoring. But patients improve these symptoms in a few days,” says the expert.

The oncologist provides that the treatment in Brazil arrives as soon as possible to provide benefits to patients. “The use of onculitic viruses represents a revolution in oncology, especially in the fight against skin cancer, which often has resistance to conventional treatments. By combining direct action against tumors with stimulating immunity, this approach can transform the prognosis of patients with advanced cancer,” says the expert. “I believe that oncolithic viruses have the potential to become a key pillar in the treatment of cancer, offering an innovative and more personalized alternative for thousands of patients all over the world,” concludes Ramon.

Homework

It inspires the transformation into the world of work, business, society. It is the creation of the compass, content and the connection agency.

Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.