New Study Suggests Zika Virus Could Possibly Treat Cancer

New Study Suggests Zika Virus Might Have Potential in Treating Cancer

The Zika virus, notorious since its discovery in 1947, might just have a new purpose: battling cancer. In a study released on January 9 by Cancer Research Communications, scientists experimented with using the Zika virus to treat mice implanted with cells from human neuroblastoma tumors, a type of nerve-tissue cancer.

The results were quite impressive. Mice injected with Zika showed nearly complete tissue death in their tumors, leading to extended survival rates. Joseph Mazar, a research scientist at Nemours Children Hospital in Orlando and the study's first author, expressed amazement at the outcomes, stating, "The difference was stunning. We got 80% to 90% efficacy. With a single injection, the tumors were completely removed; there were no side effects."

Using viruses as a tool to combat cancer isn't entirely new. Reports dating back to the 1800s suggested that certain viruses like influenza, hepatitis, measles, or smallpox improved the health of some cancer patients. These viruses, known as oncolytic viruses, could target and harm cancer cells. Modern genetic engineering techniques in the 1990s enhanced their specificity and safety, resulting in the approval of four viruses as specific cancer treatments.

The unique aspect of the Zika virus lies in its ability to target immature nerve cells, as it hampers brain growth in developing fetuses. This led scientists to explore its potential in targeting neuroblastoma, a cancer arising from immature nerve cells, particularly prevalent in infants.

In their study, researchers implanted high-risk neuroblastoma cells from human patients into mice, which developed tumors. The tumors were then directly injected with an unmodified Zika virus, consistently eliminating them without any sign of recurrence. Importantly, the treated mice did not experience significant side effects.

Neuroblastomas expressing high levels of a specific protein called CD24 were found to be especially susceptible to Zika-induced cell damage and death. This protein is present in multiple cancers, suggesting the possibility of using Zika against various tumor types.

While the treatment is not yet ready for human use, the researchers tested the Zika virus on human neuroblastoma tumors in the lab, with promising results mirroring those seen in mice. According to Dr. Tamarah Westmoreland, a pediatric surgeon at Nemours Children Hospital and senior author of the study, and Joseph Mazar, the Zika virus's specificity makes it a potentially safe alternative or additional therapy for cancer in humans.

The researchers hope to initiate human trials in the next few years, given the effectiveness observed in treating human tumors in mice. While the road to practical application is ongoing, the Zika virus's potential as a cancer-fighting tool is an exciting development in the realm of medical research.

Absolutely! Here's the Q&A in a more human-friendly tone:

Q: What did the recent study reveal about the Zika virus and its potential in treating cancer?

A: The study showed that the Zika virus has the ability to target and eliminate human neuroblastoma tumors in a mouse model. This finding suggests a promising avenue for using the Zika virus in treating cancer.

Q: How long before this treatment could be available for humans?

A: While the Zika virus has been a concern since its identification in 1947, the timeline for its use as a cancer treatment in humans is still uncertain. Researchers are working to bridge the gap between successful trials in mice and implementing this treatment for people.

Q: Why are scientists exploring the Zika virus as a potential tool against cancer?

A: The Zika virus, known for causing issues in developing fetuses, particularly targets immature nerve cells. This unique characteristic prompted scientists, like Dr. Tamarah Westmoreland and her team at Nemours Children Hospital, to investigate its potential in combating neuroblastoma, a nerve tissue cancer common in infants.

Q: How does the Zika virus compare to other viruses in cancer treatment?

A: The idea of using viruses to treat cancer isn't new. Anecdotal reports since the 1800s have hinted at improvements in cancer patients' health after viral infections. However, the Zika virus's specific affinity for immature nerve cells sets it apart. Advances in genetic engineering techniques in the 1990s have allowed researchers to make viruses more specific and safer for cancer treatment.

Q: What makes Zika a potential candidate for cancer treatment?

A: Zika's ability to target and damage immature nerve cells is what makes it a potential candidate for treating neuroblastoma, a cancer that arises from these cells. The study conducted on mice demonstrated remarkable results, with tumors being consistently eradicated after a single injection of the Zika virus.

Q: Is there any indication of when this treatment might be available for humans?

A: While the treatment is not yet ready for human use, the researchers are optimistic. In lab experiments infecting human neuroblastoma tumors with Zika, the virus demonstrated similar effectiveness as seen in mice. The hope is that human trials could be initiated in the next few years, offering a new tool in the fight against neuroblastoma.

Feel free to reach out if you have more questions or need further clarification!