New treatment method for brain cancer cells in Iran

Iran has made significant strides in developing innovative treatments for brain cancer, particularly glioblastoma, one of the most aggressive brain tumors. Researchers at the Royan Research Institute have successfully utilized natural killer (NK) cells derived from stem cells to target and eliminate tumor cells. After seven years of research, they developed a cell product with minimal manipulation, ensuring safety and efficacy. Clinical trials demonstrated that NK cell injections not only increased patients' life expectancy but also improved their quality of life, especially in cases where traditional treatments were ineffective.

In another groundbreaking approach, Iranian scientists have engineered a modified vaccinia virus, originally used in the smallpox vaccine, to act as an oncolytic virus. This engineered virus selectively replicates within cancer cells, destroying them without harming healthy tissue. Preclinical studies have shown promising results, and the therapy has the potential to be used independently or alongside existing treatments like chemotherapy. The research is progressing towards human clinical trials, aiming to offer a novel therapeutic option for various cancers, including those of the brain.

Complementing these advancements, Iran inaugurated an advanced cancer treatment center in March 2023, equipped with cutting-edge technologies such as linear accelerators, CyberKnife, tomotherapy, and CT simulators. This facility specializes in diagnosing and treating stage 3 cancers, providing patients with access to state-of-the-art therapies.

These developments underscore Iran's commitment to advancing cancer treatment through innovative research and the establishment of specialized medical facilities, offering new hope to patients battling brain cancer.