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SALT LAKE CITY — Researchers with the Huntsman Cancer Institute appear to be on the cusp of a cure for melanoma, one of the deadliest forms of skin cancer.

Huntsman researchers have discovered a way to inject a mutated cold and herpes virus directly into the skin lesions caused by melanoma, stopping the cancer in its tracks.

Dr. Robert Andtbacka, one of Huntsman's leading oncologists, said the revolutionary new treatment actually teaches the body to heal itself.

"The altered cold and herpes virus activates the immune system to fight melanoma, not only where the cells are injected, but also at distant sites," Andtabacka said. "So it educates the patient's immune system to kill any melanoma cells that may be elsewhere in the body."

Another amazing aspect of the new treatment is that it is also free of the often devastating side effects caused by chemotherapy.

Farr West, Utah resident, 67-year-old Larry Hegland, was battling an advanced stage of melanoma when he entered the clinical trial. He said he had just about given up hope.

"It's a miracle as far as I'm concerned, because I thought I was dying — and I was," said Hegland. "They saved my life."

The new cancer-fighting protocol was refined at the Huntsman Cancer Institute over the last couple of years. Researchers said that currently 60 percent of those receiving the new treatment have seen dramatic reversals in their conditions. Many of those very same patients have now been declared cancer-free.

Researchers believe as the process is refined, they may eradicate melanoma altogether.

The American Cancer Society estimates nearly 74,000 Americans will be diagnosed with a new melanoma this year. The skin cancer kills nearly 10,000 people every year.

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