Cancer-killing Virus, The drug candidate CF33-hNIS, also known as Vaxinia, is an oncolytic virus. According to scientists, it is a genetically engineered virus designed to selectively infect and kill cancer cells while preserving healthy cells.
The experimental cancer-killing virus was first administered to human patients in the hope that the test would ultimately provide evidence of a new way to successfully combat cancerous tumours in the human body.
A drug candidate called CF33hNIS (also known as Vaxinia a cancer-killing virus), known as an oncolytic virus, was designed to selectively infect and kill cancer cells while preserving healthy cells. It is a genetically engineered virus.
In the case of CF33hNIS, the modified poxvirus functions by entering the cell and doubling itself. Ultimately, the infected cells rupture, releasing thousands of new viral particles that act as antigens, stimulating the immune system and attacking nearby cancer cells.
Previous studies in animal models have shown that drugs can thus use the immune system to hunt down and destroy cancer cells, but have not been tested in humans so far. The situation has changed with drug co-developer City of Hope Cancer
Treatment Research Center in Los Angeles and Imugene, an Australian biotechnology company, announced that the first clinical trials in human patients are underway.
“Our previous studies have shown that oncolytic viruses not only stimulate the immune system to respond to and kill cancer but also stimulate the immune system to respond better to other immunotherapies.” Daneng Li, an oncologist and senior researcher at the City of Hope said.
“We believe that CF33hNIS has the potential to improve patient outcomes.”
To achieve this potential, we must first demonstrate that CF33hNIS (cancer-killing virus) is safe for human consumption. The first phase of the study will focus on drug safety and tolerability.
A total of 100 participants are expected to enrol in the intervention, and each participant will be an adult patient with metastatic or advanced solid tumours who have previously tried at least two standards of care.
When enrolled in the study, these subjects receive low-dose experimental treatment by direct injection or intravenous administration.
In a press release released to Eurek Alert on May 17, Imugene and City of Hope announced that “the first patient in a phase I trial to test an oncolytic virus that kills cancer against solid tumours” states. Experts want the virus to boost the body’s immune response to cancer.
It further added clearance will allow new study participants to “receive an experimental oncolytic virus in combination with immunotherapy pembrolizumab” after patients are treated in monotherapy groups and show “acceptable safety”.
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