Could viruses be programmed to target cancer cells and destroy them?

Question

It seems that some viruses attack only certain kinds of cells, such as T cells to replicate themselves. Why couldn't some viruses be engineered to seek out certain types of cancer cells and kill them?

Answer 1

there have been attempts at doing just this.
A company called Onyx has been working on a modified adenovirus (which is one of the viruses that causes the common cold) to target cancer cells and kill them. Unfortunately clinical trials have not been particularly promising.

In principle, however, the concept of using viruses to target cancer cells is a reasonable one.

Answer 2

What would happen to the virus after the cancer was gone. It may replicate and mutate to attack fast growing cells, like mucous membranes or hair cells. That is what chemo therapy does and that is why cancer patients have problems with nausea and their hair falling out. I believe the government has the cure for cancer locked away somewhere....but the cancer industry is too lucrative to allow it out to the public..I also believe that about HIV/AIDS. Look at Magic Johnson.

Answer 3

The virus is engineered or designed and not programmed. There are people working on such a solution. It is promising. Nanotechnology is also being researched. Good idea. Someone is already working on it. Feel free to join them. If you are not already qualified, then go to school and get qualified. Good luck!

Answer 4

I was wondering this just last night. In Africa over 1million people die a year from Malaria. I'm like what the heck? There has to be a way to program viruses to work in our favor.

'-)

Answer 5

though ur suggestion is intriguing the possibilty of a foregin virus in the body is harmfull nd not advised..... its may lead to death as well... coz the WBCs may attack them nd well all that....

cancer can be cured by taking proper food especially carrot...

Answer 6

as soon as you do it, we will all know why.so you better get studying instead of wasting time