Researchers have reported promising early results for a new prostate cancer treatment.
The experimental drug VIR-5500 shrank tumours in several patients with advanced disease.
Prostate cancer affects about 1.5 million men worldwide each year.
Immunotherapy has transformed other cancers but rarely benefits this one.
Scientists now believe this new approach could change that.
VIR-5500 is an engineered antibody that redirects killer T-cells toward tumour cells.
It activates mainly inside the tumour, which helps limit severe side effects.
The design also allows the drug to remain longer in the bloodstream.
Fifty-eight men whose cancer resisted standard treatments joined the phase one trial.
Most experienced only mild side effects.
At the highest dose, PSA levels dropped sharply in many patients.
Eighty-two percent saw reductions of at least half.
More than half recorded falls of ninety percent or greater.
Nearly a third showed reductions of ninety-nine percent.
Tumour shrinkage appeared in several measurable cases.
One patient’s liver lesions disappeared completely after repeated treatment cycles.
Researchers described the findings as unprecedented for an immune-resistant cancer.
They are now planning larger trials to confirm safety and effectiveness.
Independent experts called the results highly encouraging.
They stressed the need for broader studies across diverse patient groups.
Specialists hope the therapy could extend survival and improve quality of life for men with advanced disease.
