USING VIRUSES TO FIGHT CANCER 

A handful of viruses have captured the attention of cancer researchers because of their potential to destroy cancer cells without damaging the surrounding healthy tissue. A key challenge is to work around the effects of the human immune system, which normally detects and eliminates viruses.

A research project at the Ottawa Regional Cancer Centre, supported by the Ontario government through the Ontario Cancer Research Network, studied the cancer treatment's impact on the immune system using one specific virus. The investigators found that the way the virus is introduced into the body affects the ability to kill cancer cells. Slowly introducing the virus over a 24 hour period provided maximum results. The research also shed light on how the virus attacks and destroys tumours.

Findings from this study will help improve the effectiveness of virus-based cancer therapies. The investigators are also working with a biotechnology company to develop the specific virus studied as a treatment agent. Clinical trials of viruses that can kill cancer cells are planned for Ontario in 2006.