Colds could cure cancer; RESEARCH.A COMMON cold virus could be used to kill off cancer. Scientists have "tweaked" the adenovirus adenovirus Any of a group of spheroidal viruses, made up of DNA wrapped in a protein coat, that cause sore throat and fever in humans, hepatitis in dogs, and several diseases in fowl, mice, cattle, pigs, and monkeys. so that it destroys deadly tumours without damaging healthy cells. The virus also triggers an immune response immune response n. An integrated bodily response to an antigen, especially one mediated by lymphocytes and involving recognition of antigens by specific antibodies or previously sensitized lymphocytes. , which eradicates it afterwards. Adenoviruses have been used before but at the risk of damaging vital organs. Cancer Research UK funded the study at Oxford University by Professor Leonard Seymour. He called the tests on mice "effective". But added: "Testing on humans is at least two years away." |
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