A study published by the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, and reported on by survivingmesothelioma.com, has indicated that the common smallpox vaccine could provide a new immunotherapy treatment for mesothelioma.
The virus was used very effectively in the 1960s and 1970s to find and destroy the smallpox epidemic around the globe. The properties from the virus are still being researched today with its targeting abilities being considered by cancer researchers.
Within the smallpox vaccine is a molecule called CXCL11. This active component within the vaccine was used by the scientists in the study and was transplanted directly into the mesothelioma cells. Following the introduction of this molecule the mesothelioma cells became susceptible to the molecules properties and they were weakened. By reducing potency the mesothelioma cells then become susceptible to the body’s natural immune system.
The study, experimenting on mice, showed that the mice carrying the mesothelioma cancer cells had a longer mesothelioma survival rate with increased strength in their immune systems and its abilities to attack the cancerous cells.
Malignant mesothelioma is a particularly aggressive type of cancer associated with asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma grows and spreads from its origin very quickly and therefore this can quickly become widespread within the body. Due to the speed of their growth, the mesothelioma cells are particularly adept at hiding from the immune system.
Using this type of immunotherapy treatment, it was found that the mice’s’ natural defences were increased by suppressing the cancer’s natural ability to ward off attacks.
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Source:
Liu, Z, et al, “CXCL11-Armed oncolytic poxvirus elicits potent antitumor immunity and shows enhanced therapeutic efficacy”, OncoImmunology, 2016, Volume 5, Issue 3.