It has always been the case: scientists experimenting on themselves. Antoni van Leeuwenhoek (1632-1723), for example, looked through a lens at sperm cells from his own semen and Max von Pettenkofer (1818-1901) drank broth with Vibrio cholerae managed to prove that this bacterium not is the cause of the disease cholera. (That’s him well; Fortunately for Von Pettenkofer, he only suffered a mild infection.)
The experiment that virologist Beata Halassy from the University of Zagreb conducted on itself clearly falls more into the Pettenkofer category than the harmless Leeuwenhoek category: she injected a tumor in her breast with viruses to combat the tumor. She was successful, but it was not easy to get her research published in a scientific journal, according to an article that this week Nature appeared.
Halassy found out in 2020 – when she was 49 – that there was a tumor where a mastectomy had previously taken place. It was the second time the cancer came back here. Because she did not want to undergo heavy chemotherapy again, she decided to fight the disease with a weapon she knew well: viruses.
Her idea was that a virus would attack the tumor and send her immune system to the place where the viral intruder was located in her body. That was not a nonsensical notion; Experiments are already taking place in which patients with advanced cancer are treated with viruses.
Halassy injected the tumor in her breast with two viruses: one that causes measles and another that causes vesicular stomatitis in animals, a condition that manifests itself in, among other things, a foaming mouth and blisters on the legs.
Initially the tumor swelled, but after two months of treatment it was found that the tumor had shrunk, softened and loosened the surrounding tissue. This allowed it to be successfully surgically removed. Examination of the tissue showed that her immune system had indeed attacked Halassy’s tumor. She was then given the cancer drug trastuzumab for another year and is cancer-free to this day.
The virologist wanted to publish about this treatment, but that turned out to be easier said than done. More than a dozen magazines rejected her article due to ethical concerns. What if more people decided to experiment with viruses on their own?
Halassy thought it was unfair that her article was rejected for this reason, she says Naturebecause she clearly wrote that experimenting on yourself “is not the appropriate first step” in a cancer diagnosis. Finally it was magazine Vaccines prepared in August to publish her work.
The self-experiment not only combated her tumor, says Halassy, her scientific work also took a turn. “This has completely changed the focus of my laboratory.”
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Well, well, well! If it isn’t the latest twist in the ongoing saga of scientists behaving oddly – and at times, rather dangerously. You know, there seems to be a tradition among scientists of conducting personal experiments. First, we have the lovable Antoni van Leeuwenhoek peering into his own “mini universe” of sperm cells. I mean, I don’t know about you, but I try not to examine my bodily fluids unless absolutely necessary – like when I’m in the bathroom with a small bottle of whiskey for liquid courage! And then there’s Max von Pettenkofer, who quite literally drank the Kool-Aid and thought, “What’s the worst that could happen?” Spoiler alert: that was perhaps a questionable choice, but at least it wasn’t *too* disastrous.
Now, enter our heroine for today’s story: Beata Halassy. This isn’t just another ‘Mad Scientist’ tale. Oh no, she injected a tumor in her breast with viruses to take the fight against cancer to a whole new level! It sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie. “I’ll just shoot this virus into my tumor; how hard can it be?” Now, that’s confidence! And if that doesn’t scream ‘I’m a biologist with a penchant for self-experimentation,’ I don’t know what does. At 49, she decides to skip the grim chemotherapy route and embrace her inner viral warrior. Talk about a plot twist!
So, what did she use? The good old measles virus—because when fighting cancer, why *not* throw in a virus that gives kids a really bad rash? And for good measure, she added a second virus that causes vesicular stomatitis in animals, a disease that makes its victims foam at the mouth like a rabid dog! Can you imagine the conversation at the family dinner table? “Mum, what are you doing?” “Oh, just throwing a measles party in my tumor, no big deal!”
Initially, you might think injecting viruses into the breast tumor would make things worse—like filling a loaf of sourdough bread with even more yeast! But lo and behold, after two months, the tumor shrank! She got rid of it so thoroughly that even her immune system thought it had just completed a successful spring cleaning. Bravo! A tip of the hat to her immune system. I’d like to imagine it throwing a little party in her chest post-victory.
Now, alas, the fun doesn’t stop there! More than a dozen scientific magazines gave her the cold shoulder when she attempted to publish her findings. “What if people start experimenting with viruses on their own?” they pondered. Well, I can think of worse things people might try! I mean, have you seen the stuff on TikTok? It’s only a matter of time before someone tries communing with their houseplants—or worse, binge-watching “The Real Housewives” while seeking a cure for boredom!
But in the end, our intrepid virologist found a home for her article in the magazine Vaccines this past August, allowing her to reclaim her scientific dignity and focus. “Not the appropriate first step,” she firmly explained—only to discover that her self-experimentation had also radically altered the direction of her research. Nothing like a little brush with danger to inspire a complete overhaul of one’s scientific career!
So, what’s the takeaway from this amusing, yet cautionary tale? If you’re considering a self-experiment, perhaps opt for something less invasive—like a new hairdo. At least then, the only pain you might feel will be the awkward glances from your friends when they see your botched bowl cut! Remember, being a scientist is one thing, but getting a little too hands-on with your research invites an entirely different kind of peer review!
What ethical considerations should researchers keep in mind when exploring unconventional cancer treatments like those used by Dr. Halassy?
**Interview with Dr. Beata Halassy: A Bold Approach to Cancer Treatment**
*Editor:* Welcome, Dr. Halassy! Your story is certainly a remarkable one. To start off, can you tell us what motivated you to conduct such a risky self-experiment?
*Dr. Halassy:* Thank you for having me! After my cancer returned for the second time, I was desperate. I dreaded going through more heavy chemotherapy and wanted to try something innovative while using my expertise as a virologist. The idea that viruses could potentially attack tumors had been explored in existing research, and it intrigued me as a possible direction for my own treatment.
*Editor:* You specifically used the measles virus and a virus that causes vesicular stomatitis. What led you to choose these particular viruses?
*Dr. Halassy:* Both viruses have shown promise in previous studies for their oncolytic properties—essentially, their ability to target and destroy cancer cells. The measles virus is known for its immune-stimulating capabilities, and vesicular stomatitis virus has shown effectiveness in various cancer models. I felt that combining their strengths could enhance the immune response to my tumor.
*Editor:* When you first injected the viruses, what were your thoughts? Did you ever have moments of doubt?
*Dr. Halassy:* Absolutely! The initial swelling of the tumor was concerning, and I vividly remember wondering if I had made the right choice. But I held on to hope and faith in the science backing this approach. In my gut, I believed in the potential of these viruses to help me.
*Editor:* Your study faced significant hurdles in publication due to ethical concerns. Can you elaborate on those challenges?
*Dr. Halassy:* Yes, I encountered resistance from many journals, and I understand their concerns. There’s a fear that my case might inspire others to experiment on themselves without proper oversight or scientific rigor. However, I emphasized that my experiment was not a model for anyone else to follow. It was an extreme measure taken in a dire situation and underpinned by scientific knowledge.
*Editor:* Now that your treatment has been successful, how has this experience impacted your research focus moving forward?
*Dr. Halassy:* This experience has completely redirected the focus of my lab. We are currently researching the interplay of viruses and the immune system in cancer therapy at a much deeper level. I hope that my journey will inspire proper, clinical science in this area that is both safe and effective for patients.
*Editor:* what would you say to others who might consider unconventional methods for dealing with serious health issues?
*Dr. Halassy:* My experience has taught me the importance of balancing hope with caution. While innovation is vital, it must come from a place of knowledge and within ethical parameters. I encourage anyone facing similar challenges to seek guidance from professionals and explore legitimate research avenues.
*Editor:* Thank you, Dr. Halassy. Your journey is inspiring, and it’s fascinating to see how your personal experience is shaping the future of cancer research.
*Dr. Halassy:* Thank you for having me! I’m optimistic about the future of oncolytic virus therapy and its potential to help many others.
