Virus therapy halts pancreatic cancer growth in patients

Summary

A genetically engineered virus injected directly into pancreatic tumors has stopped cancer growth in three patients during an initial safety trial. The virus replicates only inside tumor cells, causing them to burst and die. Researchers are now testing higher doses, with one patient remaining stable a year after treatment.

Quick Facts

• The virus was given at one-tenth the intended dose, yet showed better efficacy than expected
• All three treated patients remain alive with stable disease months to a year after injection
• The adenovirus is engineered to target COX-2 enzyme, which is abundant in cancer cells but not healthy tissue

Why It Matters

Pancreatic cancer is typically fatal within months; any treatment showing promise offers hope to patients with few options.