Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 18, 2026

Paramyxoviruses for Tumor-targeted Immunomodulation: Design and Evaluation Ex Vivo
Published on: January 7, 2019
Targeting cancer stem cells with oncolytic virus
11 Department of Hematology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai 200080, China ; 2 Institute of Hematology, the First Afflilated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China.
Oncolytic viruses show promise in eradicating cancer stem cells (CSCs), which are resistant to conventional therapies. These viruses offer a novel approach to combatting disease recurrence by targeting CSCs effectively.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Virology
- Cancer Biology
Background:
- Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are resistant to conventional therapies and linked to cancer recurrence.
- Oncolytic viruses kill cancer cells through mechanisms distinct from traditional treatments.
- Genetically engineered oncolytic viruses may enhance therapeutic efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current data on the efficacy of oncolytic viruses against cancer stem cells.
- To explore the potential of oncolytic viruses as a novel therapeutic strategy for overcoming CSC resistance.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on oncolytic viruses and cancer stem cells.
- Analysis of data on the mechanisms of oncolytic virus-mediated CSC eradication.
- Evaluation of the potential for genetically engineered oncolytic viruses.
Main Results:
- Oncolytic viruses demonstrate an ability to overcome CSC resistance mechanisms.
- Several oncolytic viruses have shown potential in eradicating CSCs.
- Genetic engineering can augment the oncolytic effects against CSCs.
Conclusions:
- Oncolytic viruses represent a promising therapeutic avenue for targeting cancer stem cells.
- This approach may help overcome treatment resistance and reduce disease recurrence.
- Further research into engineered oncolytic viruses is warranted for enhanced CSC eradication.
Related Concept Videos
Cancer Stem Cells and Tumor Maintenance
Cancer stem cells are thought to originate from tissue-specific normal stem cells or progenitor cells. The normal stem cells usually reside in...
Cancer Stem Cells and Tumor Maintenance
Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
Targeted Cancer Therapies
Tumor Immunotherapy
Cancer Therapies
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...

