Japan launches world’s first viral therapy for oesophageal cancer

Japan has begun selling Telomelysin, described as the world’s first commercialised viral therapy for oesophageal cancer, following health ministry approval in June. The treatment offers a new option for people who cannot undergo curative surgery or standard chemoradiotherapy. Sales began on 21 August.

The medicine uses a genetically modified adenovirus, part of a virus family that can cause cold-like illnesses. It is designed to multiply inside cancer cells where the enzyme telomerase is active, destroying those cells while limiting harm to normal tissue. Used alongside radiation, it is injected directly into the tumour through an oral endoscope three times at two-week intervals. This avoids incision surgery and may allow outpatient treatment.

In a 36-person clinical trial at Okayama University, local cancer was no longer detectable in 18 patients 18 months after treatment. The therapy does not work for everyone, and possible side effects include fever and temporary reductions in lymphocytes.

The medicine costs about 9.3 million yen per patient, although Japan’s high-cost medical expense system can limit individual payments. Its university-founded developer is also seeking to explore its potential against cancers including rectal and laryngeal tumours.