From Science Alert:
This Incredible Virus Attacks Brain Cancer And Actually Boosts Our Immune System
A study attempting to show that viruses could be delivered to brain tumours has delivered that and more.
Not only did the virus in question reach its target, it also stimulated the patient's own immune system - which then also attacked the tumour.
Preclinical experiments in mice, followed by window-of-opportunity trials in nine human patients, showed that the naturally occurring virus offers potential for a new type of cancer therapy that could be used alongside other treatments.
The virus they used is one that has previously shown potential for cancer treatment - what is known as an oncolytic virus.
It's called mammalian orthoreovirus type 3, from the reovirus family, and it has previously been shown to kill tumour cells, but leave healthy cells alone.
Previous experiments have demonstrated this mechanism, but researchers from the University of Leeds are the first to successfully direct it at brain tumours.
Interesting development.