According to scientists, the first human patient has been injected with a ‘revolutionary’ cancer-killing virus known as Vaxinia, which has previously been used successfully on animals.
According to BGR, the scientists hope that the virus will boost the body’s immune system response, allowing them to better combat cancer cells.
Vaxinia has been designed to kill cancer cells, and previous animal trials have yielded promising results.
The researchers ensured that the virus was not only cancer-killing but also capable of making itself more recognizable to the body’s immune system in this recent trial.
The vaccine is being tested in Phase 1 with 100 patients who have a metastatic or advanced solid tumor and have tried at least two other treatments.
The drug will be given to two groups, one of which will receive Vaxinia and the other will receive the cancer-killing virus plus an immunotherapy drug.
Because Phase 1 is generally about safety and registering the correct amount of dose, they do not produce the desired results right away.
When scientists tested the virus on animals, it was able to shrink the tumor in the experiments.
While a successful animal trial does not guarantee success in human trials, scientists are hopeful that this will open up new avenues to help the body fight cancer. The trial is scheduled to conclude in 2025.
To read our blog on “SoftBank invests in a Japanese startup that aids in cancer detection,” click here.
