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Updated: Jul 3, 2026
12:42
Paramyxoviruses for Tumor-targeted Immunomodulation: Design and Evaluation Ex Vivo
Published on: January 7, 2019
Exploiting synergies between radiation and oncolytic viruses
Kevin J Harrington1, Alan Melcher, Georges Vassaux
1The Institute of Cancer Research, Chester Beatty Laboratories, 237 Fulham Road, London, SW3 6JB, UK. kevinh@icr.ac.uk
Current Opinion in Molecular Therapeutics
|August 7, 2008
Summary
Oncolytic viruses (OVs) show promise in cancer treatment by directly killing tumors and enhancing radiation therapy. Various OV strategies, including engineered viruses, are being explored for clinical use to improve cancer patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Virology
- Radiotherapy
Background:
- Oncolytic viruses (OVs) possess intrinsic antitumor capabilities.
- OVs can potentially augment the efficacy of radiation therapy across diverse tumor types.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review significant advancements in oncolytic virus (OV) therapy.
- To emphasize clinically relevant OV strategies for cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- Discussion of wild-type OVs (reovirus, measles) and engineered unarmed OVs (adenoviruses, HSVs) as radiosensitizers.
- Highlighting engineered armed OVs expressing genes to enhance radiation response.
Main Results:
- Engineered armed OVs utilize strategies like virus-directed enzyme prodrug therapy.
- Other strategies include radiosensitizing cytokine therapy (TNFalpha) and radionuclide uptake gene therapy (sodium iodide symporter, norepinephrine transporter).
Conclusions:
- Significant progress in OV therapy offers promising clinical applications.
- Future directions focus on the clinical development of OVs to improve cancer treatment outcomes.
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