Herpes could save you from skin cancer

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.

When injected directly into a melanoma, this specially designed herpes can attack the cancer in two ways: by killing the cells directly and "marshalling" the immune system against them. Further, because the virus specifically targets the cancerous cells, there tend to be fewer side effects than with other, more traditional forms of treatment, like chemotherapy.

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Combined with additional immunotherapies, this version of herpes improves survival and life extension rates in patients with even advanced stages of cancer.