HIV is a retrovirus, and this group of viruses is equipped to insert genes into your DNA. It is therefore hoped that the virus' ability to do this can be harnessed and 'good' genes inserted. Cancers often develop with missing genes (that limit cell growth) and replacing these could therefore impair the cancer. The process is complex - each person or dog's cancer is unique and most have dozens of genetic mutations, but there is hope that techniques like this will make a difference. Mouse studies are a helpful starting point - always remember though that lab mice are not 'normal' - they are highly inbred with specific alterations that mean many studies fail to show success once the tests move on to dogs or people. But, once more people have received it and we have an idea of both benefit and risk, we can start to get a little more optimistic. Still very early days at the moment. Exciting though!
_________________ _______________ Dr Ken Wyatt BSc BVMS FANZCVS Specialist Veterinary Oncologist Perth Veterinary Oncology
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