Oncolytic virotherapy using herpes simplex virus: how far have we come?

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Virology
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Oncolytic virotherapy leverages natural viral properties for cancer cell lysis.
• Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a promising candidate for oncolytic virotherapy due to its safety and host interaction knowledge.
• The development of engineered HSV has led to approved cancer treatments, such as talimogene laherparepvec for melanoma.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the advancements in developing herpes simplex virus (HSV) as an oncolytic virus.
• To discuss the future directions and potential of HSV-based oncolytic virotherapy.

Main Methods:

• Review of scientific literature on herpes simplex virus (HSV) in oncolytic virotherapy.
• Analysis of the manipulation of HSV for enhanced cancer cell targeting and destruction.
• Examination of the clinical translation and approval of HSV-based therapies.

Main Results:

• Herpes simplex virus (HSV) has been successfully engineered for oncolytic virotherapy.
• The safety profile and host interaction understanding of HSV facilitate its therapeutic application.
• Talimogene laherparepvec represents a significant milestone, approved for melanoma treatment.

Conclusions:

• Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a well-established platform for oncolytic virotherapy.
• Continued research and development are expected to expand the applications of HSV in cancer treatment.
• The field is poised for future innovations in engineering and delivering oncolytic HSV therapies.