Newell's research indicates that when the tumor cells' energy strategies are interrupted with "metabolic disrupting" agents, the consequences are two-fold: the cancer cell can no longer use that strategy for energy and the disruption is accompanied by a "danger flag," that appears newly visible to the immune system. The consequence is selective tumor cell death.

Among the drug combinations to be tested are two compounds already approved by the FDA for other uses. One blocks a distinct survival strategy that tumor cells use. The other neutralizes an important growth factor for many tumors. These were chosen, in part, because this treatment could be quickly brought to market following a successful physician's trial and completion of the FDA approval process.

Cancer cells use available glucose at a very high rate and when stressed by chemotherapy or radiation will selectively burn fat to survive. Some of the mechanisms tumor cells use to meet their energy demands are unique and are not used by normal cells. Viral Genetics' treatment targets those cells by provoking enough energy deficiency to result in tumor cell death. Viral Genetics has an exclusive license to market treatments based on the cell metabolism disruption technology.

"The patients in this trial are at a stage where other treatments have failed," said Monica Ord, senior vice president of Viral Genetics. "We have an opportunity to potentially prove the effectiveness of our treatments. More importantly, we may be giving these patients new hope for survival. We are grateful and honored by Dr. Childs' support."

Source: Viral Genetics