Viruses. Cancer. Two evils of the world that have been pestering the human race for as long as we can remember. Now, we've advanced to the point where we can manipulate one to destroy the other. Viruses have been used in cancer therapy, but with drawbacks.
The virus that is commonly used for cancer treatment is the adenovirus. The adenovirus is a DNA virus that is effective in treating cancer, but it causes hepatic disease (AKA liver disease) in mice. Scientists from Oxford University have been working with these cancer cell killing viruses, and have figured a way how to prevent the viruses from destroying healthy cells as well. How is this done? Scientists now understand that cellular microRNA molecules regulate the stability of mRNA in different cell types. These cellular microRNA molecules can be used as target markers for the adenoviruses, preventing the viruses from killing healthy cells. This would solve the problem of adenoviruses unintentionally causing liver disease in mice.
This technology is still only being tested on mice, and it may take at least two years to enable the viruses to combat cancer in humans.
I could write further, but do not wish to retype the article. If you're interested in reading the full article, go here.
-George Wong
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