Vials
(Image credit: iStock)

Don't worry — this is not the hideous, cold-sore causing herpes you know and hate, which can be extremely harmful for cancer patients. Rather, this version of herpes has been genetically engineered not to cause an active infection.

For several years, scientists have been experimenting with cancer treatment forms utilizing viruses, an approach called immunotherapy. This particular herpes virus, according to a study published Tuesday in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, has proven highly effective in combating melanoma, an increasingly common form of skin cancer.

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Stephanie Talmadge

Stephanie is an editorial assistant at TheWeek.com. She has previously worked for USA Today and Modern Luxury Media.