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Updated: Jul 4, 2026

Paramyxoviruses for Tumor-targeted Immunomodulation: Design and Evaluation Ex Vivo
Published on: January 7, 2019
Reovirus: viral therapy for cancer 'as nature intended'
C Comins1, L Heinemann, K Harrington
1Department of Oncology, Postgraduate Medical School, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK. c.comins@surrey.ac.uk
Abstract:
Oncolytic viruses are tumour selective and able to lyse cancer cells after infection. Reovirus is an example of a wild-type oncolytic virus and is currently being investigated as a potential novel therapy for cancer. This overview gives a brief description of what is known about reovirus biology and summarises the preclinical data related to its oncolytic ability. The completed and ongoing clinical trials involving reovirus, both as a single agent and in combination with chemotherapy and radiotherapy, will be reviewed and their results discussed. Many of these clinical studies are being conducted by centres in the UK.
Insights
Reovirus, a tumor-selective oncolytic virus, shows potential as a novel cancer therapy. Preclinical data and ongoing clinical trials investigating reovirus for cancer treatment are summarized.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Virology
- Cancer Therapeutics
Background:
- Oncolytic viruses selectively infect and lyse tumor cells.
- Reovirus is a wild-type oncolytic virus being explored for cancer treatment.
- Understanding reovirus biology is crucial for its therapeutic application.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of reovirus biology.
- To summarize preclinical data on reovirus's oncolytic capabilities.
- To review completed and ongoing clinical trials of reovirus in cancer therapy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of reovirus biology.
- Summary of preclinical studies demonstrating oncolytic effects.
- Analysis of clinical trial data (single agent, combination therapy).
Main Results:
- Reovirus exhibits tumor-selective infection and lysis.
- Preclinical data support reovirus's oncolytic potential.
- Clinical trials are evaluating reovirus efficacy and safety.
Conclusions:
- Reovirus is a promising oncolytic virus for cancer therapy.
- Further clinical investigation is warranted to establish its role in oncology.
- Combination therapies involving reovirus are under active study.
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