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!
How does the scientific community view self-experimentation, and what ethical considerations are involved?
### Interview with Virologist Beata Halassy
**Editor:** Welcome, Dr. Beata Halassy, virologist at the University of Zagreb. Your self-experimentation in combating your tumor has certainly raised eyebrows. Can you start by telling us what led you to pursue this unconventional method?
**Halassy:** Thank you for having me! After my second cancer diagnosis, I faced the daunting prospect of heavy chemotherapy again, which I wanted to avoid. I had extensive knowledge of oncolytic viruses – viruses that selectively target and destroy cancer cells – and thought, why not use this approach on myself? I believed it could stimulate my immune system to fight the tumor more effectively.
**Editor:** Fascinating! You decided to inject viruses that cause measles and vesicular stomatitis into your own tumor. How did that decision come about, and what was the initial reaction of those around you?
**Halassy:** The idea came from my research background; I knew there was potential in using these viruses against tumors. As for reactions, there was a mix of concern and support. Some were worried about the risks, while others understood my motivation and passion for innovation in cancer treatment.
**Editor:** After the injections, you noticed changes in your tumor. Can you describe the progression of your treatment and how you felt during that time?
**Halassy:** Initially, the tumor swelled significantly – it was a tense time. But after two months, I received the encouraging news that it had shrunk and softened, enough for a successful surgical removal. It was incredibly rewarding, but also nerve-wracking, given the stakes involved.
**Editor:** Your experience has received mixed reactions in the scientific community, especially regarding the ethical implications of self-experimentation. What challenges did you face while trying to publish your findings?
**Halassy:** I faced significant barriers. Over a dozen journals rejected my manuscript due to ethical concerns about self-experimentation. Many were afraid it could lead others to conduct similar risky experiments without professional oversight. It was frustrating because I emphasized that my approach isn’t a model for everyone – it’s an extreme case based on my expertise.
**Editor:** Ultimately, you found a journal willing to publish your work. What has the feedback been since then, and how has your research focus changed?
**Halassy:** Publishing in *Vaccines* was a relief, and the feedback has been generally positive, sparking discussions on the potential of oncolytic viruses in cancer treatment. This experience has shifted the focus of my laboratory to explore these therapeutic avenues further, and I hope to develop more refined and safer strategies for others in similar situations.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Halassy, for sharing your incredible journey. Your story is not just about scientific exploration but also about personal resilience and the quest for innovative solutions in cancer treatment. We wish you continued success in your research!
**Halassy:** Thank you! It’s been a pleasure discussing this with you. I hope to inspire others to think outside the box in their fight against cancer.