Zika virus may be useful in battling brain cancer

Wednesday, September 6, 2017
Study: Zika may help fight brain cancer
Study: Zika may help fight brain cancer. Ali Gorman reports during Action News at 5 p.m. on September 6, 2017.

There may actually be something good about the Zika virus.

It's known for its bad effects, causing devastating birth defects, but researchers say it may also be useful in battling brain cancer.

In lab tests at universities in St. Louis and San Diego, the virus was shown to be able to target and destroy stem cells linked to the growth of glioblastoma, a deadly form of brain cancer.

Those stem cells are difficult to kill.

Testing is still in the early stages, but it is promising.

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