A recent study suggests that the Zika virus, known for its harmful effects on humans since its discovery in 1947, could potentially be utilized to combat cancer. The research, published in the journal Cancer Research Communications on January 9, reveals promising results as the Zika virus demonstrated the ability to target and eliminate human neuroblastoma tumors in a mouse model.
In the experiment, mice implanted with cells from human neuroblastoma tumors, a form of nerve-tissue cancer, were treated with the Zika virus. The tumors exhibited nearly complete tissue death immediately after the injection, leading to prolonged survival in the animals. The study’s first author, Joseph Mazar, described the outcomes as remarkable, with an efficacy rate of 80% to 90%, and complete eradication of tumors with a single injection, devoid of recurrence or symptoms.
The idea of using viruses as a treatment for cancer is not novel, dating back to anecdotal reports from the 1800s. These reports indicated improved health in some cancer patients following infections with viruses such as influenza, hepatitis, measles, or smallpox. Advances in genetic engineering techniques in the 1990s allowed researchers to modify viruses for greater specificity and safety. Currently, four viruses are approved for specific cancer treatments, while others are undergoing clinical trials.
The Zika virus stands out due to its ability to target immature nerve cells, a characteristic that inspired researchers to explore its potential against neuroblastoma. Neuroblastoma, a cancer arising from immature nerve cells, poses significant challenges to existing treatments, often leading to poor survival rates and severe side effects. The study demonstrated that the Zika virus consistently eradicated high-risk neuroblastoma tumors in mice without evidence of recurrence, offering a potential bridge therapy during intense treatments.
The Zika virus’s unique specificity, coupled with its minimal impact on surrounding healthy tissue, makes it a promising candidate for cancer treatment. Specifically, neuroblastomas expressing high levels of the CD24 protein proved especially vulnerable to Zika infection, suggesting potential applications against other tumor types expressing this protein.
While the treatment is not yet ready for human use, the researchers tested Zika on human neuroblastoma tumors in the lab, observing similar results to those in mice. The virus showed robust viral production within the tumor, with minimal viral shedding outside, indicating its potential safety as an alternative or complementary cancer therapy in humans. The researchers anticipate human trials within the next few years, given the promising outcomes of the study.
