Rabies virus vaccine as an immune adjuvant against cancers and glioblastoma: new studies may resurrect a neglected potential

Clin Transl Oncol. 2017 Jul;19(7):785-792. doi: 10.1007/s12094-017-1613-6. Epub 2017 Jan 16.

Abstract

To review the literature about the use of Rabies Virus-Vaccine (RV-V) as an anticancer immunotherapeutic modality in the light of recent findings. The literature search in relevant databases with the following key words: Rabies virus, cancer, remission. Remissions occured following RV-V injections in patients with cervical cancer and melanoma. Pilot clinical studies showed that RV-V injections enhanced survival in glioblastoma patients, which is supported by findings in GL261 mouse glioma model. If public health studies demonstrate protective role of RV-V against certain types of cancers, it can be benefitted as a novel immune adjuvant in clinic.

Keywords: Cancer; Immunotherapy; Rabies virus; Spontaneous remission.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adjuvants, Immunologic / administration & dosage*
  • Animals
  • Glioblastoma / prevention & control*
  • Glioblastoma / virology
  • Humans
  • Rabies / complications*
  • Rabies / virology
  • Rabies Vaccines / therapeutic use*
  • Rabies virus / pathogenicity*

Substances

  • Adjuvants, Immunologic
  • Rabies Vaccines