New Delhi, Nov. 8 -- Researchers in Ohio are investigating whether influenza vaccine injected directly into melanoma tumors can help the immune system recognize cancer, an experimental approach drawing renewed attention to a familiar vaccine's possible use beyond preventing flu.

The Washington Post reported on November 8 that doctors in a small Ohio clinical trial had injected ordinary flu vaccine into patients' skin tumors. The approach should not be confused with evidence that a routine flu vaccination treats or prevents cancer.

Testing an immune response inside the tumor

At Ohio State University, surgical oncologist Carlo Contreras has been studying whether this local injection can stimulate immune activity against melanoma. In a 20...