ウイルス療法でがんを治す　手術だけでは治せない難治性のがんを治したい　藤堂具紀　東京大学医科学研究所　附属病院　病院長　先端医療研究センター　先端がん治療分野　教授

UTOPIA 43 Interviews | Vol. 21 Professor Tomoki Todo, Division of Innovative Cancer Therapy, Advanced Clinical Research Center, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo ―Driven by the Fear of Death, Becoming a Doctor Interested in consciousness, choosing neurosurgery Development of virus therapy, aiming to cure malignant brain tumors that cannot be healed by surgery alone ―Conquering Cancer with Viruses! What is viral therapy? Genetically engineered viruses that multiply only in cancer cells Using virus as a medicine Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-1), which can cause encephalitis, has been genetically modified for safe use in the brain HSV-1 can infect any cells: a good fit for cancer treatment. Antibody in the blood do not suppress the virus’s activity How the Virus Works: The virus multiplies within the cancer cells, leading to their death. The increased viral presence within cancer cells triggers an immune response against them. Developed the virus in 2001 and turned it into medication in Japan. ―UTOPIA x Viral Therapy Research: Creating a system for genetically engineered herpes simplex viruses Developing functional viruses for cancer treatment Stimulating the immune system with viruses Creating viruses that multiply while producing desired substances Applying Virology Knowledge to Vaccine Development: Understanding the immune response to viruses. Using tools to elucidate the mechanism and vice versa. ―Physician's Passion: Developing Viral Therapy Drugs in Japan Desired to continue working with patients while pursuing development. Produced by Imagine inc. ------------------ The University of Tokyo Pandemic Preparedness, Infection, and Advanced Research Center (UTOPIA) was established on 18 October 2022, as the third research organization of the University of Tokyo Institutes for Advanced Study (UTIAS). With a mission to protect people from infectious diseases and pandemics, UTOPIA brings together top researchers, transcending disciplinary boundaries, to advance infectious disease prevention and vaccine development. In addition to experts in the fields of infectious diseases, immunology, and vaccines, UTOPIA gathers researchers from diverse fields such as AI, structural biology, social sciences, and others who have not previously been involved in infectious disease research. We also establish collaborative networks with international institutions, fostering a global cooperation framework. By directly connecting academia, industry, and clinical settings, we aim to establish a robust infrastructure for the rapid delivery of effective and safe vaccines and therapeutics in response to emerging pandemics.