ONYX-015 is a genetically modified adenovirus that attacks cells with a dysfunctional p53 gene, another protein that is overactive in cancer cells. In clinical trials, ONYX-015 worked well when used in combination with chemotherapy. CN706 is an adenovirus modified to grow only when the prostate antigen promoter is active. Since this happens only in prostate cells, this virus is a candidate for treating prostate cancer. Among the advantages of these viruses are the minimal side effects they produce.
Oncolytic viruses appear to be specific for cancer cells, although more testing is needed.
Also, oncolytic viruses attack and kill cancer cells at all stages of the cell cycle. Radiation and chemotherapy require that the cancer cell be dividing at the time of treatment. A second generation of oncolytic viruses are being made that, if they fail to kill the cancer cell, will make it more susceptable to radiation or chemotherapy, a one-two punch. Plants as Factories Monsanto, the largest producer of transgenic seeds, opened a subsidiary to produce proteins on an industrial scale. The creation of the subsidiary is important because it signals that Monsanto believes there is a large potential for using plants to replace traditional methods of producing these types of products.