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Published on: April 3, 2018
Molecular imaging of oncolytic viral therapy
1Department of Radiology and Nuclear Imaging, Harlem Hospital Center/Columbia University Medical Center , New York, New York, USA.
Abstract:
Oncolytic viruses have made their mark on the cancer world as a potential therapeutic option, with the possible advantages of reduced side effects and strengthened treatment efficacy due to higher tumor selectivity. Results have been so promising, that oncolytic viral treatments have now been approved for clinical trials in several countries. However, clinical studies may benefit from the ability to noninvasively and serially identify sites of viral targeting via molecular imaging in order to provide safety, efficacy, and toxicity information. Furthermore, molecular imaging of oncolytic viral therapy may provide a more sensitive and specific diagnostic technique to detect tumor origin and, more importantly, presence of metastases. Several strategies have been investigated for molecular imaging of viral replication broadly categorized into optical and deep tissue imaging, utilizing several reporter genes encoding for fluorescence proteins, conditional enzymes, and membrane protein and transporters. Various imaging methods facilitate molecular imaging, including computer tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography, single photon emission CT, gamma-scintigraphy, and photoacoustic imaging. In addition, several molecular probes are used for medical imaging, which act as targeting moieties or signaling agents. This review will explore the preclinical and clinical use of in vivo molecular imaging of replication-competent oncolytic viral therapy.
Insights
Molecular imaging enhances oncolytic virus therapy by enabling noninvasive tracking of viral targeting for improved safety and efficacy. This approach aids in detecting tumors and metastases, advancing cancer treatment strategies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Virology
- Molecular Imaging
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Oncolytic viruses offer a promising cancer therapy with high tumor selectivity, reduced side effects, and improved efficacy.
- Approved for clinical trials, oncolytic viral treatments require methods for noninvasive monitoring of viral targeting, safety, and efficacy.
- Molecular imaging can provide sensitive detection of tumor origin and metastases, crucial for effective cancer management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the preclinical and clinical applications of in vivo molecular imaging for replication-competent oncolytic viral therapy.
- To explore strategies for noninvasively visualizing oncolytic virus activity and distribution in cancer patients.
Main Methods:
- Investigated various molecular imaging strategies, including optical and deep tissue imaging, utilizing reporter genes (fluorescence proteins, enzymes, membrane proteins, transporters).
- Examined diverse imaging modalities such as CT, MRI, PET, SPECT, gamma-scintigraphy, and photoacoustic imaging.
- Considered the use of molecular probes as targeting moieties or signaling agents for enhanced imaging.
Main Results:
- Multiple reporter gene strategies and imaging techniques have been developed for visualizing oncolytic virus replication in vivo.
- Molecular imaging provides critical data on viral biodistribution, tumor targeting, and potential off-target effects.
- The integration of molecular imaging offers enhanced diagnostic capabilities for tumor detection and metastasis identification.
Conclusions:
- In vivo molecular imaging is essential for advancing oncolytic viral therapy by providing real-time safety, efficacy, and toxicity data.
- This technology can significantly improve the diagnostic accuracy for cancer staging and monitoring treatment response.
- Continued research in molecular imaging will further optimize the clinical translation and application of oncolytic viruses in cancer treatment.
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