Cold Virus Zaps Brain Tumors

May 6, 2003 | Source: Wired News

A genetically altered common cold virus worked so well in destroying the most lethal type of brain tumor in experiments with mice that researchers want to take the treatment to people next year. The scientists implanted the human glioblastomas inside the brains of mice, and found only empty cavities and scar tissue where the tumors once were.

Lead researchers cautioned that the dramatic results don’t assure the virus will work in people. Still, the National Cancer Institute is intrigued enough that it is providing $1 million to produce enough of the mutant virus to begin human testing, and hopes to start enrolling brain-tumor patients in a study of the treatment by winter 2004.