Argentine Researchers Develop Targeted Virus for Colorectal Cancer Treatment using AI
A team of Argentine researchers has engineered a novel virus, AR2015, demonstrating promising results in eliminating liver metastases from colorectal cancer in animal models. This breakthrough leverages the power of artificial intelligence to identify specific genetic markers within cancer cells, allowing for highly targeted viral replication.
The key to AR2015’s success lies in its unique hybrid promoter, constructed from fragments of the A33 and vWA2 genes. Extensive bioinformatics analysis, powered by AI algorithms, revealed that these genes are consistently active in both primary colorectal tumors and their metastases. This ensures the virus selectively multiplies within diseased cells, minimizing impact on healthy tissue.
The research involved analyzing vast databases containing genetic information from hundreds of colorectal cancer patients. Researchers compared gene expression patterns across different disease stages and correlated them with patient survival rates to pinpoint genes linked to aggressive tumor growth. A rigorous filtering process then eliminated genes active in normal tissues,further refining the target. This meticulous approach ultimately identified A33 and vWA2 as key prognostic markers.
“What is innovative is that the bioinformatics analysis flow can be adapted to other types of tumors,” explains researcher Podhajcer. “Artificial intelligence allowed us to reduce thousands of possibilities to just two promoters with proven biological relevance.”
The team has secured an international patent protecting the progress process, from bioinformatics to virus generation. They are currently seeking funding to complete preclinical studies and plan to initiate clinical trials for colorectal cancer patients, with potential expansion to other gastrointestinal tumors. Importantly, AR2015 demonstrates synergy with existing treatments, showing potential for combination with both chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
This project is a collaborative effort involving the Leloir Institute Foundation, Hospital Carlos bonorino Udaondo, Eva Perón Hospital, and the startup Theravax, supported by funding from Afulic and the National Agency for Scientific and Technological Promotion.
This work positions Argentine researchers at the forefront of a growing global trend integrating biotechnology and artificial intelligence to combat cancer,offering a potentially transformative approach to treatment.
