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Scientists have developed a genetically engineered virus that triggers the immune system to hunt and destroy glioblastoma brain tumours

Scientists have announced a major breakthrough in tackling lethal brain cancer following the development of a genetically modified virus capable of hunting down and eliminating tumours. In a significant advancement for medical science, researchers have discovered a method to penetrate the defences of glioblastoma - amongst the most aggressive cancer types.

Through a single injection of an adapted virus, medics can now activate the body's immune system to attack and eliminate cancerous cells.

The groundbreaking therapy, created by researchers at Mass General Brigham and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, utilises an oncolytic virus - a laboratory-modified version of the herpes simplex virus. Glioblastoma has historically proved challenging for medical professionals because it operates as a "cold" tumour, effectively concealing itself from the body's natural immune response, reports the Daily Star.

Kai Wucherpfennig, MD, PhD, from the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, said: "Patients with glioblastoma have not benefited from immunotherapies that have transformed patient care in other cancer types such as melanoma because glioblastoma is a 'cold' tumour with poor infiltration by cancer-fighting immune cells.

"Findings from our clinical trial and our mechanistic study show that is now feasible to bring these critical immune cells into glioblastoma."

Following injection, the virus reproduces exclusively within cancer cells, destroying them whilst leaving healthy brain tissue entirely unharmed. In a clinical trial involving 41 patients whose cancer had recurred, the findings were remarkable. The treatment didn't simply destroy cells directly - it recruited T-cells deep into the brain, where they remained to carry on the battle.

Data published in the journal Cell showed that patients survived longer than anticipated, particularly those who already possessed antibodies against the virus.

E. Antonio Chiocca, MD, PhD, from Mass General Brigham, said the breakthrough could end a 20-year impasse in cancer treatment.

He said: "We show that increased infiltration of T cells that are attacking tumor cells translates into a therapeutic benefit for patients with glioblastoma.

"Our findings could have important implications for a cancer whose standard of care hasn't changed for 20 years."

Researchers discovered that the nearer the T-cells were to the dying cancer, the longer the patient lived, indicating the body's own immune system is finally being equipped with the tools to triumph over brain tumours.