Bladder cancer can be cure by the common cold virus, researchers say

Bladder cancer is common amongst the most widely recognized cancers, influencing around 68,000 grown-ups in the United States every year. Bladder cancer is more common in men than in women. It usually affects older people more; however, it can occur at any age.

The cause of any cancer is due to the abnormal growth of cells at specific sites. In bladder cancer, the cells growth rate is higher than the average. This abnormal growth rate of cells does not allow cells to grow and develop in an order, which causes mutations in the cells. These anomalous cells, the structure is known as a tumor.

Can common cold virus cure cancer?

Researchers have found a way to cure bladder cancer by using a common cold virus. Initially, the research has done on 15 cancer patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). The cancerous patients were administrated CVA21 in their bladder through a catheter, a week ago before their surgery to remove tumors. CVA21 is a common cold RNA virus, which is altered non-genetically. According to Dr. Curti, this virus can destroy many cancerous cells and can accelerate the immune responses, both adaptive and innate immune system.

After surgery, the samples were examined by scientists. It could see that the virus only destroy the cancerous cells. CVA21 replicates itself, which results in the rupturing of cancer cells. The replicated CVA21 virus continuously target and rupture the cancer cells in the body. This virus stimulates the immune cells which kill the cancer cells. Generally, bladder tumors lack immune cells due to which the immune system cannot attack the cancer cells.

Tumors of the cancer patients were found to have cell death. In some patients, no cancer traces were found after just one week of treatment. No significant side effects were found in any of the patients.

Study Reference:
https://www.surrey.ac.uk/news/strain-common-cold-virus-could-revolutionise-treatment-bladder-cancer