Innovative Herpes Virus-Based Vaccine Shows Potential in Cancer Treatment Without Side Effects

A groundbreaking study from Åbo Akademi University in Finland reveals that genetically modified herpes simplex virus can be engineered to act as an effective and safe cancer vaccine. Herpes simplex virus, commonly known for causing cold sores, is present in most individuals. Researchers have identified that by removing a specific virulence gene, which typically makes the virus harmful, the virus can be repurposed to target and destroy cancer cells without damaging healthy tissues.

This innovative approach involves inserting a gene that encodes decorin, a crucial protein involved in connective tissue regulation, wound healing, and blood vessel formation. Notably, decorin is often absent in many human cancers, including those characterized by excessive blood vessel growth or angiogenesis, which can hinder the effectiveness of traditional treatments. By restoring decorin expression within the vaccine, the therapy aims to inhibit tumor blood vessel formation, thereby starving the cancer and making it more susceptible to treatment.

Verifying its efficacy, the research demonstrated that decorin-enhanced vaccines significantly boosted the killing of lung cancer cells. Furthermore, these vaccines can be administered intranasally, which was successfully tested on mice, providing a less invasive delivery method. Remarkably, in chicken embryo models of liver cancer, the vaccine reduced tumor-associated blood vessel growth by 40%, with treated tumors developing normal vasculature, even after blood vessel formation had started. Importantly, no adverse side effects were observed, indicating the vaccine's specificity and safety.

Overall, these findings suggest a promising future for cancer vaccines that are not only effective but also free of side effects. By targeting blood vessel growth around tumors, such vaccines could improve drug delivery and treatment outcomes, potentially complementing existing therapies. This research paves the way for new, less invasive, and safer cancer treatment options.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-10-herpes-virus-based-vaccine-tumors.html