GM virus ‘could block cancer spread’

Scientists believe the virus, which has been reprogrammed so it no longer harms humans, could form the basis of a potent new cancer treatment.

The “oncolytic” herpes simplex virus (HSV) attacks especially aggressive tumours that have an over-active Her-2 gene.

Breast cancer drug Herceptin was designed to target the same cell sub-group.

When the modified virus was injected into mice growing human breast and ovarian tumours, it strongly inhibited the spread of cancer cells.

Cancer spread, or metastasis, is the main cause of death in cancer patients.

Lead scientist Professor Gabriella Campadelli-Fiume, from the University of Bologna in Italy, said: “We were the first to obtain a herpes virus reprogrammed to enter Her-2-positive tumour cells, unable to infect any other cell, yet preserves the full-blown killing capacity of the wild-type HSV.”