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A new herpes virus could help kill skin cancer
Last reviewed: 02.07.2025
Scientists sometimes offer the most unexpected methods of therapy to fight cancer. This time, as a result of joint work by specialists from Great Britain, the United States, Canada, and South Africa, it was found that an artificially modified herpes virus will help fight melanoma (skin cancer).
Specialists have modified the herpes virus in the laboratory, which is completely safe for healthy cells. When the modified virus cells are introduced into a cancerous tumor, they begin to produce substances that destroy cancer cells. The team of scientists published the results of their research in one of the well-known scientific publications.
The new melanoma treatment method was tested on 436 volunteers from different countries and scientists are confident that their method of therapy will be a good addition to immunotherapy, which is currently used in Europe and the USA. Lead author of the research project Kevin Harrington from the London Cancer Research Centre explained the work of his team. Modification of the herpes virus was necessary specifically so that the virus does not affect healthy cells. The use of infectious agents such as the herpes virus can act both ways, on the one hand destroying cancer cells, and on the other causing an immune system response that can negatively affect the condition of the entire body.
Experts believe that the main advantage of the clinical trials conducted with the participation of a large number of volunteers is the proven effectiveness of the method and its impact on overall survival (previous studies in this area involved several people, but even then the positive effect of therapy using the herpes virus was proven).
According to co-author of the research project Hayley Friend, who is also a member of the London Cancer Research Centre, the team's future plans are to identify the reason why some patients respond positively to the treatment, which will allow them to study the properties of the modified herpes virus further.
Scientists have named the new drug for treating melanoma T-Vec and their work is now aimed at finding out exactly how the body reacts to the introduction of the drug and what benefits it brings.
The scientists also plan to combine treatment with a new drug containing a safe herpes virus and currently used melanoma therapies, as well as the effect of T-Vec on other forms of cancer, in addition to skin cancer.
Melanoma is the sixth most common type of cancer and causes the death of tens of thousands of people every year. The risk of developing melanoma increases with excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays, so experts recommend using protective equipment (hats, creams, glasses, etc.), especially in the summer and on vacation.
Also, experts recommend that everyone, without exception, undergo a dermatological test of moles every year, which will help to promptly identify the onset of malignant changes.
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