Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 18, 2026

Paramyxoviruses for Tumor-targeted Immunomodulation: Design and Evaluation Ex Vivo
12:42

Paramyxoviruses for Tumor-targeted Immunomodulation: Design and Evaluation Ex Vivo

Published on: January 7, 2019

Current issues and future directions of oncolytic adenoviruses

Masato Yamamoto1, David T Curiel

  • 1Division of Basic and Translational Research, Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, USA.

Molecular Therapy : the Journal of the American Society of Gene Therapy
|November 26, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Oncolytic adenoviruses show promise as cancer treatments but face challenges in tumor cell infection, spread, and host interaction. This review explores advances and strategies to improve their clinical efficacy.

Area of Science:

  • Oncolytic virotherapy
  • Gene therapy
  • Cancer research

Background:

  • Oncolytic adenoviruses (Ads) are a novel class of anticancer agents derived from well-characterized adenoviral vectors.
  • The first oncolytic Ad gained approval in China in 2005, but clinical efficacy has not met initial expectations based on preclinical studies.
  • Significant obstacles hinder the full clinical potential of oncolytic Ads.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advancements in the field of oncolytic adenoviruses.
  • To discuss strategies for overcoming current limitations in their clinical application and efficacy.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent studies on oncolytic adenoviruses.
  • Analysis of challenges in oncolytic Ad therapy.
  • Exploration of potential solutions and future directions.

Main Results:

  • Oncolytic Ads offer a promising therapeutic strategy with potential for concept-driven design.
  • Key challenges include inefficient tumor cell infection and replication, limited vector spread, inadequate preclinical models, and incomplete understanding of host-vector interactions.
  • Recent progress has been made in addressing these limitations.

Conclusions:

  • Overcoming current obstacles is crucial for realizing the full clinical potential of oncolytic adenoviruses.
  • Further research into improving tumor targeting, vector dissemination, preclinical modeling, and host interactions is necessary.
  • Oncolytic adenoviruses represent a developing frontier in cancer therapy requiring continued innovation.

More Related Videos

Handling of the Cotton Rat in Studies for the Pre-clinical Evaluation of Oncolytic Viruses06:13

Handling of the Cotton Rat in Studies for the Pre-clinical Evaluation of Oncolytic Viruses

Published on: November 24, 2014

Related Concept Videos

Microorganisms in Medicine and Therapeutics01:29

Microorganisms in Medicine and Therapeutics

Microorganisms play a fundamental role in vaccine development, gene therapy, and therapeutic production. Their biological properties are harnessed to advance medicine and public health. Beyond immunization, microorganisms contribute to gut health, antibiotic synthesis, and genetic disease treatment.Live Attenuated and Inactivated VaccinesLive attenuated vaccines, such as the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, utilize weakened forms of pathogens to closely resemble natural infections.
Cancer Therapies02:49

Cancer Therapies

Cancer therapies are various modes of treatment, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy that are administered to cancer patients.
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
Mechanisms of Retrovirus-induced Cancers01:51

Mechanisms of Retrovirus-induced Cancers

Retroviruses are RNA viruses that have been shown to cause cancers in diverse species, including chickens, mice, cats, and monkeys. The RNA genomes of these viruses are first reverse-transcribed into single and then double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) copies. This dsDNA called proviral DNA then integrates into the host genome. Subsequently, the host cell transcribes the proviral DNA in concert with the chromosomal DNA. This leads to the production of viral RNA and proteins that assemble at the host...
Mechanisms of Retrovirus-induced Cancers01:51

Mechanisms of Retrovirus-induced Cancers

Retroviruses are RNA viruses that have been shown to cause cancers in diverse species, including chickens, mice, cats, and monkeys. The RNA genomes of these viruses are first reverse-transcribed into single and then double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) copies. This dsDNA called proviral DNA then integrates into the host genome. Subsequently, the host cell transcribes the proviral DNA in concert with the chromosomal DNA. This leads to the production of viral RNA and proteins that assemble at the host...
Cancer Vaccines01:30

Cancer Vaccines

Cancer treatment vaccines are a rapidly evolving field that offers a promising approach to immunotherapy. Unlike traditional vaccines that prevent diseases, cancer treatment vaccines are designed to treat existing cancers by stimulating the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells.
Cancer vaccines come in two categories: preventive (prophylactic) and treatment (active). Preventive vaccines, such as the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, protect against viruses that cause certain...
Preclinical Development: Overview01:28

Preclinical Development: Overview

Preclinical development consists of a series of tests that ensure the safety and efficacy of a new therapeutic compound before it is tested in humans. There are four main phases to this process. First, safety pharmacology tests are conducted to ensure the drug does not produce any acutely harmful effects. These tests examine parameters such as bronchoconstriction, cardiac dysrhythmias, blood pressure changes, and ataxia. Next, preliminary toxicological testing is performed to determine the...