Virotherapy – Modified Herpes Virus to Treat Melanoma

Further trials have been carried out on ‘Virotherapy’ – a treatment for skin cancer which uses genetically modified herpes virus to attack melanoma cells.

The drug is called T-VEC and works by using ‘neutered’ virus cells to attack the cancer cells. T-VEC is injected directly into the tumours where it releases substances to help fight cancerous cells without harming normal cells.

In 2015, results were reported of a trial in which over 400 patients with aggressive melanoma had treatment involving a 2-weekly injection directly into the tumour(s) for up to 18 months. 16% were still in remission after 6 months and 10% had complete remission with no detectable cancer remaining.

Now a trial has been carried out in the UK at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Foundation Trust.Dr Sacco, who is the local investigator for the trial, said:

“This stage of the trial has been about understanding more about how treatment works in patients, both locally in injected lesions, and through the stimulation of the immune system.

“Ultimately we hope that the research will help us identify which patients are most likely to benefit, thus helping us choose which patients to offer T-VEC to, minimising side effects while maximising treatment. T-VEC is a good new option for people with melanoma as it has low toxicity.

“It is exciting to see it changing outcomes, heralding a new class of drugs becoming available to use as a single agent, or with other treatments.”

The findings from The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre will now be examined, along with those from a number of centres around the world in order to work out when and how T-VEC treatment should be used.

Mole Checking

Doctors at Cosmedics Skin Clinics warn their patients to always be vigilant for suspicious moles and to regularly check themselves and loved ones in a detailed ‘top to toe’ mole check, even in the more unusual areas such as the scalp, or under the soles of the feet.

Dr Ross Perry, a leading mole removal expert who is the Company’s founder and Medical Director, calls it the ‘ugly duckling sign’ and advises patients to seek medical attention as soon as possible to rule out skin cancer.

Thankfully the majority of moles are not cancerous, but more of cosmetic concern. These can be removed quickly and painlessly using laser and minor surgery techniques.

Mole Removal Clinics

Cosmedics Skin Clinics offer mole removal in London and Bristol with qualified and experienced doctors. Moles are removed using the latest surgical techniques including laser mole removal; with techniques designed to minimise scarring and make the procedure entirely painless.

For more information or to book a consultation, please complete the form on this web page or call 020 7386 0464.