New cancer treatments: A group of Swiss scientists has developed a new technique that uses a modified adenovirus
Hope in the fight against cancer comes from research for the Covid vaccine. Researchers at the University of Zurich have developed a new technique called SHREAD (SHielded, REtargetted ADenovirus) which involves using a modified adenovirus to directly target cancer cells without affecting healthy ones. This procedure, inspired by that used in the development of the Covid vaccine by Johnson & Johnson, AstraZeneca, CanSino and Sputnik V, will help reduce the side effects associated with radio and chemotherapy as well as provide a new approach to fighting the coronavirus. The study was published in the scientific journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Cancer new treatments: the Swiss technique is based on the same process for the development of the Covid vaccine
The modified adenovirus provided by the SHREAD technique releases genes that serve as a model for antibodies against cancer cells, cytokines and other signaling substances. “In this way we induce the tumor to eliminate itself – says Sheena Smith of the University of Zurich – through the production of agents that derive from its own cells”. “Therapeutic agents – adds Andreas Plueckthun, who led the research – mostly remain where they are needed and do not damage healthy tissues”.
“SHREAD could be applied via aerosol – concludes Smith – in this way the body could fight the infection directly in the lung cells. This would reduce costs, increase the accessibility of Covid therapies and improve the administration of vaccines with the inhalation approach “.