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 led Beata Halassy to choose self-experimentation as a treatment option for her cancer?
**Interview with Beata Halassy: A Virologist’s Bold Fight Against Cancer**
**Interviewer (I):** Welcome, Dr. Beata Halassy. Your self-experimentation has turned heads across the scientific community. Can you start by telling us what led you to take such a bold step in treating your own cancer?
**Beata Halassy (BH):** Thank you for having me. In 2020, I learned that my breast cancer had returned for the second time after a mastectomy. Having experienced the harsh effects of chemotherapy before, I was desperate for a different approach. As a virologist, I was excited about the potential of using viruses to target cancer cells directly.
**I:** It sounds incredibly risky. Can you explain how you decided which viruses to use in your treatment?
**BH:** I conceptualized the idea that the right viruses could direct my immune system to fight the tumor. I chose the measles virus and a virus that causes vesicular stomatitis in animals. Both have shown promise in initial studies on cancer treatment, and I felt compelled to try them based on my expertise.
**I:** The initial results were promising, but I imagine your journey to publishing your findings was challenging. Can you tell us about that?
**BH:** Yes, it was quite frustrating. I submitted my study to over a dozen journals, but many rejected it due to ethical concerns. They worried that my case might encourage others to try self-experimentation without proper oversight. I clearly stated that this was not the recommended first step for cancer treatment, yet the stigma persisted.
**I:** It’s understandable that journals would have reservations. How did it feel when your work was finally accepted for publication in *Vaccines*?
**BH:** It was a huge relief! It felt like I could finally share my story and the potential for similar treatments in a safe and controlled environment. I hope my work can inspire further research in oncolytic virotherapy, while also emphasizing the importance of professional medical guidance.
**I:** Beyond treating your cancer, how has this experience changed your scientific pursuits?
**BH:** This experience has completely shifted the focus of my laboratory. I am now exploring the mechanisms behind virotherapy more seriously and looking for ways to develop safer, more effective treatment protocols for cancer patients, based on what I learned from my own case.
**I:** Dr. Halassy, your journey is truly remarkable. What message do you hope to convey to both the scientific community and the general public through your experience?
**BH:** I want to stress that while innovation in medicine is crucial, it should be pursued responsibly. Self-experimentation should not be the first resort. My experience should encourage scientists to explore new avenues but always within the bounds of ethical research and clinical guidelines.
**I:** Thank you, Dr. Halassy, for sharing your incredible journey and insights. We wish you continued success in your research and recovery.
**BH:** Thank you for having me!
