Cold sore virus 'treats skin cancer'

[maureenho]

Cold sore virus 'treats skin cancer'
By Michelle Roberts Health editor, BBC News online

A genetically engineered version of a virus that normally causes cold sores shows real promise for treating skin cancer, say researchers.

The modified herpes virus is harmless to normal cells but when injected into tumours it replicates and releases substances to help fight the cancer.

Trial results published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology show the therapy could lengthen survival by years - but only for some melanoma patients.

The treatment is not yet licensed.

Similar "immunotherapy" treatments for melanoma are already available in the US and in Europe, but researchers believe T-Vec would be a welcome addition to these.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-32881552

[annie]

go90 tha22222

[Rosalind]

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[JaneJ]

Its amazing how a different virus can do such an amazing thing. I am having a mole removed tomorrow and hoping it comes back clear.