Really, It's The "Good" Herpes

Who ever thought that we'd want herpes? Researchers led by the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center have identified a population of cancer stem cells for neuroblastoma. They then reprogrammed the herpes virus to block the formation of tumors and kill these cells in mice.

If this research were to stand up to advanced trials it could mean a future where after a cancer diagnosis, particularly early diagnosis, a virus could be engineered that would go after the cancer cells and only the cancer cells.

Sure, this is early stage research but the idea that we could treat cancer without all of the side effects we associate with treating cancer brings great hope. When you add that to the Obama administration's willingness to advance stem cell research and the future of kids with neuroblastoma could look a lot brighter.

Kate was diagnosed in April 2006 with breast cancer. She is married to a wonderful man, has two kids, two cats and a crazy life. You can read more of her blog at After cancer, now what?