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Vigas 2 targets common virus
A medication originally intended for something entirely different may help prevent the progression of glioblastoma. Senior physician Giuseppe Stragliotto is leading the study at New Karolinska.
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a type of herpesvirus that 70-90 percent of the world's population carries in a latent form in their body. The virus can reactivate if the immune system is weakened and may contribute to the development of various types of cancer.
In previous studies, it has been found that CMV is present in about 90 percent of all tumors in the breast, colon, prostate, and brain. The virus causes tumors to grow faster. However, with the antiviral drug Valganciclovir, it has been possible to slow down the growth of cancer.
Positive result
Valganciclovir is now being tested on patients with glioblastoma, with the hope of slowing down the disease. The study is called Vigas 2 and is led by Giuseppe Stragliotto at New Karolinska, Sweden. No new participants will be enrolled for 2025, as the study is expected to be completed by 2026.
"We already have a positive result, but we cannot yet say if it is solely due to the antiviral treatment," says Giuseppe Stragliotto.
"We already have a positive result"
When looking at a group of more than 150 glioblastoma patients treated with valganciclovir, the treatment appears to more than double the patient's chance of surviving two years after diagnosis. The treatment is well-tolerated and causes few side effects.
All patients in the study receive treatment (valganciclovir or placebo) for two years. The definitive results, evaluating tumor progression, survival, and quality of life, will be complete by the end of 2026.
The Foundation Mission; cure cancer accepts donations for the continued research at New Karolinska.
