SUMMERY
At Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center in Georgetown University, scientists are studying the Reovirus. It can cause short episodes of coughing or diarrhea in some victims. But, if inside a specific type of tumor cell, the virus spreads like gangbusters. The virus cells use the tumor as a host and cause the cell to pop, literally exploding. Scientists are studing ways to alter the cell so it will leave healthy cells alone and only infect tumorus cells. They are now distributing these test samples to see if the cancer shrinks and if there are any serious side-effects.
OPINION
When i read the article's title, I imediately thought of the movie "I Am Legend", but reading on, the article was very interesting. If the virus can be directed to only the cancerous cells then I don't see any reason why this shouldn't become a regular form of treatment. It seems to work similarly to any other injection, if it is by injection. Using a virus to stop you from contracting something much worse. the title of the article is fitting: A Redeeming Role for a Common Virus.
BRITTANY BURNS
http://www.biologynews.net/archives/2010/10/20/a_redeeming_role_for_a_common_virus.html
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