Common cold virus kills cancer cells.

Common cold virus 'can kill cancer cells'

New research suggests the common cold has the power to destroy bowel cancer cells and not harm healthy ones.

Researchers have found a way to alter the common cold virus so that it targets the genetic defect inherent in colorectal cancer cells.

Colorectal cancer is the second highest cause of cancer deaths in the UK.

The research, reported in the March issue of Gene Therapy, was carried out by UK technology firm BTG and the Swiss Institute for Experimental Cancer Research (ISREC).

There are few normal cells in which the defect is present so the therapy should not harm surrounding tissue, the researchers say.

Dr Richard Iggoof, of ISREC, said: "Standard chemotherapies are inherently non-selective. Despite important advances in understanding the molecular basis of cancer, few treatments have been devised which target the known defects in tumour cells."

Ellen Evans, of BTG, said: "Based on these encouraging results, we expect that an optimised adenovirus (common cold virus) will be developed for evaluation in patients with advanced colorectal cancer."


Story filed: 13:43 Wednesday 13th March 2002