Engineered adenovirus can shrink lung cancer tumors

In 10 seconds? Scientists have engineered viruses that can recognize localized and spreading cancers that are resistant to other types of therapy. The “designer viruses” were able neutralize immune defenses and attack lung cancer cells, prolonging the survival of lab mice.

What's the breakthrough? Previously, scientists have applied this kind of viral therapy in a number of cancers, however, this is considered to be a breakthrough in lung cancer. In this study, researchers have genetically modified a human adenovirus (related to the ones used in the Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine). The modifications enabled the viruses to evade being inactivated by natural immunity, and thus they could attack cancer cells and shrink tumors in test animals. Although the result still needs to be replicated in humans, another exciting finding of the study is the prospect of being able to target metastasizing cancer cells.