onkommon.com
Cellular therapy
Oncolytic virus therapy
An engineered virus injected into a tumour, licensed narrowly, researched widely.
Referral & opinion only
What it is
Oncolytic viruses are modified to replicate inside tumour cells and, in doing so, provoke an immune response against them. One product is licensed in a narrow melanoma setting; most work is still research.
It appears on this website for the same reason dendritic cell therapy does: it is marketed to Indian patients well beyond where evidence supports it.
When it is used
- Within a registered clinical trial
- Where a specific product is licensed for a specific indication
- Not, in our view, as a paid treatment outside either
How the decision is made
- Whether what is being offered is a registered trial, a licensed product, or neither, we will check the paperwork with you.
- What evidence exists for the specific product in your situation, at what tier.
- Whatever you decide, we keep your records straight and continue your care.
At the trial site or licensed centre. KPCIRC does not provide, broker or take any payment in connection with it.
Who does what
What we handle, and what happens elsewhere
KPCIRC handles
- An independent written opinion on what is being offered
- A check of registration and licensing status
- Board review of whether it fits your situation
- A search for trials you may genuinely be eligible for
Performed and billed elsewhere
- Any administration and all costs charged by the provider
- If you are being asked to pay a large sum outside a registered trial, bring the paperwork before you pay. Ask for the trial registration number, a legitimate trial has one.
Questions to ask your own doctor
Take these with you. They work whether or not you are treated here.
- Is this a registered trial? What is the number?
- Is the product licensed in India for my disease?
- What published evidence exists in patients like me?
- What would you do if this were your family?
Support that goes with it
Where this is used
Cancers this commonly forms part of
Not sure this is the right option for you?
That is exactly what a second opinion is for. Bring what you have, we will tell you what is missing and what the alternatives actually are, in writing.