In preclinical studies, a genetically modified measles vaccine virus that recently received orphan drug designation from the FDA has demonstrated powerful anti-cancer effects against mesothelioma and other aggressive cancers. The preliminary results offer new hope for patients and their loved ones.
Mesothelioma Treatment Advances Through Viral Modification
Researchers engineered MVdeltaC, a modified version of the standard measles vaccine, specifically to fight mesothelioma and other cancers. Designed to be more effective than the original virus, the mesothelioma treatment works by deleting the measles virus C protein, which normally helps the virus evade the immune system. Without this protein, the modified virus triggers a much stronger immune response against the disease’s deadly tumors, while maintaining the safety of the well-established measles vaccine.
In laboratory tests involving over 40 different cancer cell lines, the treatment killed cancer cells, including multiple mesothelioma samples, faster and more completely than the standard measles virus. When mesothelioma cells died from the viral infection, they released danger signals that alerted the immune system, producing up to 10,000 times more inflammatory signals than the unmodified virus—essentially turning “cold” tumors that hide from the immune system into “hot” tumors that attract immune cell attack.
Mesothelioma Tumors Eliminated in Animal Studies
In immunodeficient mice grafted with human mesothelioma cells, a single low-dose injection of the modified mesothelioma treatment significantly reduced tumor mass within two weeks. The mesothelioma therapy also proved effective against tumor samples collected from mesothelioma patients, demonstrating real-world applicability.
When the treatment was tested on mice with intact immune systems and the aggressive form of cancer called neuroblastoma, three injections of the virus proved effective, just as it had in mesothelioma tumors. The researchers achieved complete tumor elimination in 70% of the animals with neuroblastoma, and five injections raised that number to 90%. Even more promising was the fact that surviving animals developed immune memory and rejected new tumors when re-challenged, suggesting the treatment creates lasting anti-cancer immunity.
The therapy’s effectiveness depended on the presence of CD8+ T cells and natural killer cells—key components of the immune system that recognize and destroy cancer cells. Importantly, prior measles immunity didn’t hinder effectiveness — rather, it accelerated anti-tumor responses, a critical finding since most people have received measles vaccinations.
Mesothelioma Treatment Advances Toward Clinical Trials
This research builds on earlier mesothelioma work investigating the use of oncolytic measles viruses. The FDA has previously granted orphan drug designation to another measles-based mesothelioma treatment called MV-NIS, which showed promise in early clinical trials. That therapy demonstrated excellent safety and ability to replicate in mesothelioma tumors, though with modest clinical benefits.
MVdeltaC represents a next-generation mesothelioma treatment with enhanced tumor-killing and immune-activating properties. Phase I clinical trials are expected to begin soon, offering another source of hope for mesothelioma patients.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net can help. Contact us today at 1-800-692-8608 to learn more.
