They are Xafter the many user comments on the case of Croatian virologist Beata Halassywhich she developed and tested on herself an innovative therapy to fight cancer, comes the infectious disease specialist’s comment Matteo Bassetti explaining as «many self-experiments have been for decades made for convenience».
Breast cancer, Croatian researcher Beata Halassy experiments virus-based therapy on herself to cure herself and recovers
The Halassy case
The virologist and researcher atUniversity of ZagrebBeata Halassy attracted public attention for having treated herself for breast cancer with an innovative therapy. He stated: «Don’t do this at home», recommending not to undertake independent experiments. But her awareness didn’t stop her from completing the project. The choice, based on a self-experiment, did not guarantee any success. Halassy used two specific viruses, created in her laboratory, in a technique she described as “unconventional.”
The case has sparked a heated ethical debate over self-experimentation. In 2020, at age 49, Halassy received the diagnosis of a tumor recurrence in the same place where she had already undergone a mastectomy. Faced with the possibility of a new chemotherapy, he decided to look for an alternative, taking advantage of his knowledge of virology and delving into the scientific literature. So he developed a customized version of the viroterapia oncoliticaan innovative technique that involves the use of viruses to attack tumor cells and stimulate the immune system.
Halassy decided to “attack” the tumor with two viruses: first the measles virus and then the vesicular stomatitis virus, both already used in clinical trials in virotherapy, although not for breast cancer. For two months, she injected the viruses directly into the tumor mass, remaining under constant oncological monitoring and ready to resort to chemotherapy in case of worsening. The therapy led to a progressive reduction of the tumor, which was then surgically removed, without significant side effects.
After several rejections, Halassy managed to publish the results of her experience. Today, despite the criticisms and ethical doubts raised by her case, she declares herself convinced of the choice made. The complexity of the therapy, which requires advanced virology skills, makes it unlikely that others will be able to imitate it. Currently, Halassy has obtained funding to test his therapeutic approach on pets suffering from tumors.
Bassetti’s response
Virologist Beata Halassy successfully treated her own breast cancer by injecting viruses she was working on in the laboratory into the tumor. This is a case of self-experimentation which has raised strong doubts from an ethical point of view. Halassy used two viruses in…
— Matteo Bassetti (@ProfMBassetti) November 12, 2024
Regarding the Halassy case, Matteo Bassetti expressed his medical opinion by stating that, with the progress of science, a «more ethical and less unscrupulous mentality», arguing that «the era of self-experiments should already be over». Halassy herself, in fact, “successfully treated her own breast cancer by injecting the virus she was working on in the laboratory into the tumor”, a self-treatment that raised “strong doubts from an ethical point of view”. The therapy was conducted under the monitoring of oncologists, using first a measles virus and then a vesicular stomatitis virus, pathogens already studied in oncolytic virotherapy contexts.
Halassy’s intervention thus opens an important debate on the practice of self-experimentation, which Bassetti describes as «the triumph of anecdotal or the exact opposite of evidence medicine». Also remember historical examples, such as that of Evan O’Neill KaneThat he had an appendix removed to demonstrate the practicality of local anesthesia, and to Gianni Pauletta, died at just 34 years old after testing an antibiotic on yourself.
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The Curious Case of Self-Experimentation: Beata Halassy’s Bold Move
Ah, where do we even begin with the audacious tale of Croatian virologist Beata Halassy? You know, the woman who decided that rather than waiting around for science to catch up, she’d just give her own immune system a DIY makeover. It sounds like the plot of a medical drama, doesn’t it? “One Woman, Two Viruses: The Fight Against Cancer!” Grab your popcorn!
After a delightful collection of user comments on Halassy’s self-titled “Innovative Therapy,” we find ourselves in the thick of an ethical debate that makes coffee breaks more exciting! Our friend Matteo Bassetti, the infectious disease specialist, weighed in with a comment that could blow the mind of even the most liberal brunch-goer: «Many self-experiments have been for decades made for convenience.» Convenience? I don’t even do my own laundry for convenience—my poor socks will just have to fend for themselves.
The Halassy Case: A Lab-Borne Resurrection?
So, here’s the scoop: Beata Halassy, a researcher at the University of Zagreb, found herself battling breast cancer and thought, “Why not inject some of my lab’s special concoction into my life-threatening tumor?” I mean, now that’s some serious scientific dedication, folks! But before you pump the brake and think about trying this at home (which obviously, Halassy herself claimed, to not do), let’s unpack this a little.
The whole saga kicks off in 2020 when Halassy, then 49, received the dreaded tumor recurrence news. And rather than succumb to the traditional regimen of chemotherapy, she took it upon herself to scour scientific literature for alternatives—like a cross between a detective and a college student who crammed all-night for finals using Google. Out comes her customized version of viroterapia oncolitica—a fancy term for using viruses to attack tumors, which sounds both terrifying and exhilarating!
Now, get this: she used the measles virus and then the vesicular stomatitis virus, with a meticulous two-month plan where she injected directly into her tumor while being monitored by oncologists—in other words, she hitched a ride on the “Experimental Express.” Lo and behold, her made-for-TV saga took a turn for the better as the tumor began to shrink like my motivation to exercise after the holidays!
Following the self-inflicted science project, Halassy managed to publish her findings after overcoming a few hurdles, which, spoiler alert, included skepticism from the scientific community. But she has secured funding to test the method on, wait for it… pets with tumors. Yes, that’s right. Your average house cat could be the next subject of her experimental dreams! Someone call the animal rights activists!
Bassetti’s Clinical Eye Roll
Virologist Beata Halassy successfully treated her own breast cancer by injecting viruses she was working on in the laboratory into the tumor…
Now let’s take a moment to appreciate Matteo Bassetti’s side-eye at this whole endeavor. With the expertise of a seasoned commentator, he advocates for a “more ethical and less unscrupulous mentality” in medical practice. You heard it right—self-experimentation should, in his opinion, be confined to history books next to stories about young mad scientists who paid a hefty price for their curiosity.
Because let’s be honest, while Halassy’s case might have a happier ending than a rom-com, it opens a veritable Pandora’s box of ethical dilemmas. No one is arguing that innovation is bad; the debate remains whether we should treat our bodies like lab rats for the sake of progress. Bassetti rightly notes that we need to steer clear from the “triumph of anecdotal over evidence-based medicine.” Sounds like something your mother would say when you’d proudly tell her about your vague Pinterest project—“just because it looked good in photos, doesn’t mean it’ll work in real life!”
Let’s not forget our historical self-experimenters. For example, Evan O’Neill Kane, who removed his own appendix to prove the efficacy of local anesthesia. That’s commitment, folks! But sadly, within this area of symphonic bravado, we also have stories like Gianni Pauletta—who died testing the antibiotics on himself. Yikes! Kind of takes the thrill out of the experiment, doesn’t it?
The Final Note: Should We or Shouldn’t We?
After all this hullabaloo, where does that leave us? Should we all look to Halassy as a tragic heroine, or are we staring into the abyss of a medical circus run amok? Let’s just say—caution is the name of the game. We live in a world where science is at our fingertips, and while the urge to explore is innate to humanity, leaping into the unknown with your own body as the canvas might not be the wisest choice.
As we navigate the turbulent waters of self-experimentation, let’s leave it to the professionals, folks. Grab your lab coats and beakers, but maybe keep them in the lab, not in your living room. And remember: if you feel the urge to self-experiment, consult a doctor—not just Google. After all, a healthy debate is great, but your well-being is crucial. Until next time—stay curious, but stay safe!
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Ng>“triumph of anecdotal evidence” over scientifically validated medicine.
Historical self-experimentations have yielded mixed results, and while some paved the way for breakthroughs, others ended tragically. Take Evan O’Neill Kane, who famously performed his own appendectomy under local anesthesia to prove it was safe—successful, but a risky move nonetheless. Then there’s Gianni Pauletta, whose self-testing of an antibiotic cost him his life at just 34. These cautionary tales highlight the fine line researchers walk when faced with desperate circumstances, such as Halassy’s.
A Future of Virotherapy?
As the dust settles on Halassy’s bold decision, we are left pondering the implications for the future of cancer treatment. Her approach—though groundbreaking and captivating—raises legitimate questions about safety, efficacy, and the ethical ramifications of self-experimentation. While Halassy remains a proponent of her methods, the medical community must grapple with the data produced from her experience and subsequent animal trials.
Will her findings revolutionize virotherapy, or will they serve as a cautionary tale about the perils of unregulated self-treatment? Time, science, and ethical considerations will ultimately dictate the path forward, impacting not only those who suffer from cancer but also how we think about the intersection of individual desperation and responsible scientific practice.
Beata Halassy’s journey may indeed be an inspiring tale of personal courage and scientific ingenuity. Still, it underscores the urgent need for broader discussions on ethics in medicine, especially as we step further into uncertain territory where hope and health often collide. As we navigate these challenging waters, let’s strive to ensure that innovation is coupled with safety and integrity, ensuring that progress never comes at the expense of our well-being.
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