Adenoviruses are a type of virus that can cause respiratory infections such as the common cold. In recent years, researchers have explored the potential of adenoviruses to fight cancer. By altering the genetic material of an adenovirus, scientists can create a virus that attacks and destroys cancer cells without harming healthy cells.
How Adenovirus Works
Adenoviruses are designed to recognize and attack cancer cells while leaving healthy cells unharmed. To do this, they are genetically altered to carry a gene that produces a protein that binds to a receptor on cancer cells. This triggers the cancer cells to take up the virus, which then infects and destroys them.
Advantages of Adenovirus Therapy
Adenovirus therapy has several potential advantages over other cancer treatments. It is relatively non-toxic, meaning that it has few side effects. In addition, it can target and kill cancer cells that have spread to other parts of the body, making it a promising option for treating metastatic cancer.
Limitations of Adenovirus Therapy
Adenovirus therapy is not without its limitations. The virus can sometimes be rejected by the body’s immune system, making it ineffective. In addition, it is not yet known if the virus can penetrate deep into the body to target cancer cells that have spread to other organs.
Conclusion
Adenovirus therapy is a promising treatment for cancer. It has the potential to target and destroy cancer cells without harming healthy cells. However, more research is needed to determine its efficacy and safety.