A surprising advance in the treatment of viral leukemia

Article Abstract:

Two 1995 studies found that combined therapy with zidovudine and interferon alfa may be effective in treating adult T-cell leukemia-lymphoma. Although much is known about this disease, it has been very difficult to treat. Adult T-cell leukemia-lymphoma is caused by infection by the human T-cell lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-1). The disease is transmitted through mother's milk, blood transfusions, and sexual intercourse. As a result it is common in certain families and geographical regions. It is probably transmitted by infected cells, rather than by free-floating virus. Approximately 2% to 5% of infected people develop T-cell leukemia-lymphoma 20 to 40 years after infection. HTLV-1 may cause tumor growth by producing proteins that alter the genes of the host. The most effective ways of preventing the disease may be by screening donated blood and advising against breast feeding in areas where the disease is common.

Care and treatment, Editorial, Adult T-cell leukemia-lymphoma

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Viral entry denied

Article Abstract:

The advances in antiviral drugs offer exciting opportunities for the development of agents that block viral transmission and treat viral infections, as well as for vaccine development. With the licensing of one entry inhibitor and others being tested in clinical trials, these agents have passed the proof-of-principle stage, a bench-mark that is testimony to the value of biochemical and structural studies designed to provide the molecular details of how a virus enters a cell.

Drug therapy, Virus diseases, Dosage and administration, Antiviral agents

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