Scientists have combined two genetically engineered viruses to attack brain tumors.
Suggested lead: Scientists have combined two genetically engineered viruses to attack brain tumors. Tom Britt has more.
Friday, May 25, 2001
Listen to Medminute audio
Durham, N.C. -- A team of researchers at Duke University
Medical Center recently crossed the virus that causes polio with
the virus that causes the common cold. They found that this new
genetically engineered virus can kill malignant brain tumor cells
in lab mice within six to eight hours, without any damage to normal
cells. Duke University microbiologist Matthias Gromeier was the
leader of the research team.
"We have an advanced degree of knowledge of these mechanisms and we can manipulate them in a way to make the virus selectively attack tumor cells and no longer destroy normal brain cells."
The polio virus by itself would attack and kill any brain cell with which in came into contact. Adding the genetic information from the rhinovirus, however, prevents damage to normal brain cells. Standard treatment options such as radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery often don't work and can be dangerous to normal, healthy brain tissue surrounding the tumor. Gromeier cautions that the new treatment is in very preliminary stages and has only been performed in the laboratory. Clinical trials on humans may begin as early as next year. I'm Tom Britt.
Gromeier says brain tumors are some of the toughest to fight, and this new treatment could offer a safe, effective way to destroy the cells in the tumor.
Cut 2...very efficiently...:18 . . . ( Preview this in a WAV file in 16-bit mono. )
