Japan Becomes First Country in the World to Launch Viral Therapy for Esophageal Cancer

Japan has become the first country in the world to introduce viral therapy for the treatment of esophageal cancer. Telomelysin, a therapy based on a genetically modified adenovirus, was approved by Japan’s Ministry of Health in June, with sales beginning on August 21, according to Mainichi Shimbun.

The treatment was developed by Oncolys BioPharma, a company established in collaboration with Okayama University. Telomelysin is intended for patients with esophageal cancer who are not eligible for curative surgery or combined chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

The therapy uses an adenovirus, a type of virus that can cause respiratory infections such as the common cold. Scientists genetically modified the virus so that it preferentially replicates in cancer cells with active telomerase. As the virus multiplies, it destroys tumor cells.

Telomelysin is injected directly into the tumor through an endoscope inserted through the mouth. The procedure is performed three times at two-week intervals, alongside radiation therapy. The approach does not require open surgery and is expected to reduce the physical burden of treatment on patients.

In clinical trials, approximately half of the patients with localized cancer had no detectable tumor 18 months after treatment began. Reported side effects included fever and a temporary decrease in lymphocyte levels.

The treatment course costs approximately 9.3 million yen per patient, equivalent to around 5 million rubles. However, the cost is covered under Japan’s system for reimbursing high-cost medical care.

The developers believe the approval of Telomelysin marks the beginning of a new approach to treating esophageal cancer. The company plans to investigate whether similar viral therapies could be used against tumors in other organs, including the rectum and anal canal.

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