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Oncolytic Virus (OV) Immunotherapy utilizes selected viruses to target tumor cell types without harming healthy tissue. Their selectivity is attributed to different biological features of the surface of cancer tumor cells that are absent in normal human cells. Once the infected tumor cell is destroyed by OVs, the amplified OVs can infect and target adjacent tumor cells, eventually eliminating the entire tumor mass.

OV Therapy provides a direct tumor-killing (oncolytic) effect and a parallel activation of the patient’s immune system against tumor cells (immunotherapy). Since 2010 immunotherapy has been revolutionizing oncology treatment and has provided new biotechnology products for standard clinical practice. These products have included the first licensed OV Therapy indicated for the treatment of melanoma, which stands as proof of concept for the entire OV Therapy field. 

People have experienced relatively minimal side effects. Fever is a side effect that is also a sign of a successful immune response. When necessary fever can be prevented or reduced using standard analgesics. No long-term side effects have been reported. 

The cost depends mostly on the individual treatment interval. Estimated costs for the first year which involves intensive treatment is between 50-100 thousand Euro. Please note that OV therapy is investigational and may not be covered by health insurance.

The above estimate does not include diagnostic testing or travel expenses.

Diagnostics are usually covered for patients with German health insurance. It may also be covered by other insurance policies. One  would need to check regarding their individual policy.

Depending on where one lives travel expenses will differ. Please assess your  travel costs in order to come to the clinic in Germany for treatment.

The FET PET scan is very important for the doctor, as it helps them decide the best course of action or treatment for the patient.

This medical test uses a substance called Fluoroethyl Tyrosine (FET) to show how amino acids move in the body. It is a type of Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan that can help localize tumors with higher sensitivity. This information can contribute to therapy planning, tumor control, and follow-up.

During the test, the FET substance is injected into the blood and moves throughout the body. It attaches to areas where there is active disease, such as tumors, and can be detected by PET/CT scanners. These machines can show how much of the FET substance is in the brain and where it is located.

Unlike MRI, that mostly shows anatomical structures, FET PET can give additional information on the functional aspect of tissues at a molecular level.