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Oncolytic virotherapy of breast cancer
Andreas D Hartkopf1, Tanja Fehm, Diethelm Wallwiener
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Clinic of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany. andreas.hartkopf@med.uni-tuebingen.de
Abstract:
The use of replication competent viruses that selectively target and destroy cancer cells has rapidly evolved over the past decade and numerous innovative oncolytic viruses have been created. Many of these promising anti-cancer agents have recently entered into clinical trials (including those on breast cancer) and demonstrated encouraging safety and efficacy. Virotherapeutic strategies are thus of considerable interest to combat breast cancer in both (i) the primary disease situation in which relapse should be avoided as good as possible and (ii) in the metastatic situation which remains incurable to date. Here, we summarize data from preclinical and clinical trials using oncolytic virotherapy to treat breast cancer. This includes strategies to specifically target breast cancer cells, to arm oncolytic viruses with additional therapeutic transgenes and an outlining of future challenges when translating these promising therapeutics "from bench to bedside".
Insights
Oncolytic viruses, which selectively destroy cancer cells, show promise for treating breast cancer. Clinical trials demonstrate their safety and efficacy, offering new hope for primary and metastatic disease.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Virology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Replication-competent viruses engineered as oncolytic viruses have advanced significantly.
- These viruses selectively target and destroy cancer cells, offering a novel therapeutic approach.
- Oncolytic virotherapy is being explored for breast cancer treatment, addressing both primary and metastatic stages.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review preclinical and clinical data on oncolytic virotherapy for breast cancer.
- To discuss strategies for enhancing oncolytic virus specificity and efficacy.
- To outline challenges in translating oncolytic virotherapy from laboratory research to clinical application.
Main Methods:
- Review of published preclinical studies on oncolytic viruses targeting breast cancer.
- Analysis of data from ongoing and completed clinical trials involving oncolytic virotherapy for breast cancer.
- Examination of methods for engineering oncolytic viruses, including genetic arming with therapeutic transgenes.
Main Results:
- Numerous oncolytic viruses have been developed, with many entering clinical trials.
- Early clinical trials for breast cancer have shown encouraging safety and efficacy profiles.
- Strategies to enhance tumor targeting and therapeutic payload delivery are under investigation.
Conclusions:
- Oncolytic virotherapy presents a promising therapeutic strategy for combating breast cancer.
- Further research and clinical development are needed to overcome challenges in 'bench to bedside' translation.
- Optimized oncolytic viruses hold potential for improving outcomes in both early-stage and metastatic breast cancer.
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