A common, naturally occurring virus that attacks cancer cells but appears to be harmless to normal cells is being studied as a possible treatment for malignant, highly aggressive and deadly brain tumors called gliomas. Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center are among a few in the United States evaluating this experimental therapy.

Over the course of a lifetime, most adults will be exposed to the virus in its natural state. It commonly infects the lungs and intestines but – unlike most viruses – causes few if any symptoms and is usually eliminated by the body within two weeks. But while the reovirus (respiratory enteric orphan virus) may be harmless to normal cells, it can specifically kill certain cancer cells. … Continue Reading »