A virus similar to the one that helped eradicate
smallpox might be effective against triple-negative breast cancer,
according to research published in the February 2014 issue of The FASEB Journal.
Researchers successfully infected and killed TNBC cells using a
vaccinia virus. In addition, they used the virus to cause infected cancer cells
produce a cell surface protein called hNIS that normally is used to concentrate
iodine in thyroid cells. The hNIS protein, expressed in thyroid cancer, is why
most thyroid cancers can be cured or successfully treated with a small dose of
radioactive iodine. If TNBC cells can be forced to produce this protein, that
means targeted therapy for this cancer—sort of the holy grail we have been
seeking.
"This is an important and significant discovery that
basically combines proven cures for two other diseases," said Gerald
Weissmann, M.D., Editor-in-Chief of The FASEB Journal. "Even
more exciting is that the effects of this virus and radioactive iodine are well
known in people, hopefully reducing the amount of time it will take for it to
reach the clinic."
This research supports an earlier study showing
success with the smallpox vaccine against TNBC. The next step for both is
clinical trials. Let's hope that this new evidence helps speed that
process.
Read more about TNBC in my book, Surviving
Triple-Negative Breast Cancer.Please consider a donation
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