Over 15 million people have died from cancer since 1990, making it the second most common cause of death in United States. Scientists believe that they have actually reached a possible cure for cancer, through the most unlikely source: viruses.

Previously, diseases such as adenovirus (common cold) or HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) were fatal to the human population, but are now being genetically modified to only target cancer cells in the body.Cancer cells are nothing but mutated cells made by the body. Normally, when a cell malfunctions, the body destroys it through the process of apoptosis (self destruction). Cancer cells manage to evade apoptosis, thereby allowing them to multiply nonstop, which creates tumors. These tumors act as “parasites” to normal cells, mainly because they drain nutrients and space for normal cells. There are many different kinds of cancer, based on where they occur in body, e.g. melanoma (skin cancer), lung cancer, breast cancer, leukemia (occurs in blood), and lymphoma (lymphatic system cancer).

So how does the treatment work? According to dw.com, unlike chemotherapy, it is usually not invasive to the human body, apart from slight side effects from the virus. Scientists have figured out a way to genetically modify viruses through manipulating their DNA sequence. The viruses are modified to only target specific cells, in this case, cancer cells. These mutated cancer cells produce a special protein that is only made in cancer cells, not normal cells, which the modified viruses seek out. These proteins act as markers, almost like indicators for cancer. The genius of the treatment is that the virus cannot infect the actual patient, while also stimulating the immune system to be able to help fight off the cancer cells, as stated by mdanderson.org. Viruses that are being used now include, HIV, measles, and adenovirus (common cold).

Scientists are still developing this treatment to make it completely safe for children, and are working to commercialize the treatment. Until then, to everyone with cancer, know that there is hope; a treatment option is on its way!