Scientists to test Zika virus on brain tumors

In a revolutionary first, Cancer Research UK-funded scientists will test whether the Zika virus can destroy brain tumor cells, potentially leading to new treatments for one of the hardest to treat cancers. Dr Harry Bulstrode at the University of Cambridge has received a Cancer Research UK Pioneer Award to test the effect of the Zika virus on glioblastoma, the most common and aggressive form of brain tumor. The research, using tumor cells in the laboratory and in mice, will see if the virus can destroy cancer cells. Each year around 2,300 people are diagnosed with glioblastoma in England. And fewer than five per cent of patients survive their disease for five years or more. Existing treatments are limited by their ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, and doses must be kept low to avoid damage to healthy tissue. The Zika virus can cross the blood-brain barrier, and could target cancer cells, sparing normal adult...