Scientists study Zika virus for potential childhood cancer treatment
OAN’s Elizabeth Volberding
1:55 PM – Wednesday, January 10, 2024
Researchers are now working to cure a fatal form of childhood cancer using a deadly African virus.
The Zika virus, which is spread by mosquitoes, decreases levels of a protein that young patients with specific cancers have. Most cases of the Zika virus transmission involve mosquito bites, unprotected sexual contact between individuals, and transmission from pregnant women to their offspring.
It was discovered by Nemours Children’s Health researchers in Florida that the Zika virus may have the potential to shrink neuroblastoma tumors, which are tumors that form in the nerve cells during childhood development and account for 1-in-7 cancer-related deaths in children.
Dr. Matthew Davis of Nemours Children’s Health, who is partially credited with orchestrating the scientific findings, stated that the crew is at the “forefront of potentially lifesaving cancer treatment.”
“We are hopeful that this study will pave the way toward improved survival for patients with neuroblastoma,” Davis said.
The developmental protein CD24 is produced by cancers such as neuroblastoma and it has been demonstrated that the Zika virus targets and reduces the protein. In individuals with normal CD24 levels, this has previously produced some birth abnormalities such as microcephaly.
The Zika virus has been shown to lower CD24 levels in patients with elevated levels of the protein. As a result, the tumors significantly reduced in size.
Dr. Tamarah Westmoreland, the study’s author and an associate professor of surgery at Nemours Children’s Health, said that young cancer patients are “in urgent need of new treatment options.”
“More than half of patients with high-risk neuroblastoma do not respond to chemotherapy or radiation, or they respond initially, but develop a recurrence,” Westmoreland said. “These patients are in urgent need of new treatment options.”
In addition, Dr. Joseph Mazar, another author of the study and a research scientist at Nemours Children’s Health, posted a statement regarding the virus.
“With further validation, Zika virus could be an extremely effective bridge therapy for patients with high-risk neuroblastoma,” Mazar said. “We also see potential for Zika virus to be used to treat children and [even] adults with other cancers that express high levels of CD24.”
Neuroblastoma usually occurs in children under the age of 5 and there are typically about 700 to 800 cases every year.
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How does the Zika virus target and reduce the production of the CD24 developmental protein in neuroblastoma tumors?
Nder the age of five and is a type of cancer that develops from immature nerve cells. It is a challenging form of cancer to treat, with limited options available. Therefore, the potential use of the Zika virus as a treatment for neuroblastoma is a significant development in the field of pediatric oncology.
The study conducted by Nemours Children’s Health researchers in Florida explored the effects of the Zika virus on neuroblastoma tumors. It was found that the virus targets and reduces the production of a developmental protein called CD24, which is produced by neuroblastoma and other cancers. The reduction in CD24 levels resulted in a significant reduction in tumor size.
Dr. Matthew Davis, one of the researchers involved in the study, expressed optimism about the potential of this treatment. He stated that they are at the forefront of potentially lifesaving cancer treatment and hope that this study will pave the way for improved survival rates in patients with neuroblastoma.
Dr. Tamarah Westmoreland, the author of the study, emphasized the urgent need for new treatment options for young cancer patients. Currently, more than half of high-risk neuroblastoma patients do not respond to traditional treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation, or they initially respond but develop a recurrence. The potential use of the Zika virus as a bridge therapy could offer hope to these patients.
Dr. Joseph Mazar, another author of the study, highlighted the broader potential of using the Zika virus to treat other cancers that express high levels of CD24. This could potentially benefit not only children but also adults with CD24-expressing cancers.
However, further validation and research are necessary to ensure the safety and efficacy of using the Zika virus as a cancer treatment. The Zika virus is well-known for its association with birth abnormalities such as microcephaly when contracted by pregnant women. Therefore, precautions must be taken to minimize any potential risks.
In conclusion, the use of the Zika virus as a treatment for neuroblastoma shows promise in reducing tumor size and offering new treatment options for patients who do not respond to traditional therapies. This study opens up exciting possibilities for the field of pediatric oncology and provides hope for young cancer patients and their families. Further research and clinical trials are warranted to fully explore the potential of the Zika virus as a cancer treatment and ensure its safety and effectiveness.
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