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Paramyxoviruses for Tumor-targeted Immunomodulation: Design and Evaluation Ex Vivo
Published on: January 7, 2019
[Oncolytic viruses for therapy of malignant glioma]
A O Sosnovtceva1, N F Grinenko2, A V Lipatova3
1Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia.
Abstract:
Effective treatment of malignant brain tumors is still an open problem. Location of tumor in vital areas of the brain significantly limits capasities of surgical treatment. The presence of tumor stem cells resistant to radiation and anticancer drugs in brain tumor complicates use of chemoradiotherapy and causes a high rate of disease recurrence. A technological improvement in bioselection and production of recombinant resulted in creation of viruses with potent oncolytic properties against glial tumors. Recent studies, including clinical trials, showed, that majority of oncolytic viruses are safe. Despite the impressive results of the viral therapy in some patients, the treatment of other patients is not effective; therefore, further improvement of the methods of oncolytic virotherapy is necessary. High genetic heterogeneity of glial tumor cells even within a single tumor determines differences in individual sensitivity of tumor cells to oncolytic viruses. This review analyses the most successful oncolytic virus strains, including those which had reached clinical trials, and discusses the prospects for new approaches to virotherapy of gliomas.
Insights
Oncolytic virus therapy shows promise for treating malignant brain tumors, offering a safer alternative to traditional treatments. Further research is needed to overcome tumor cell resistance and improve efficacy for all patients.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Virology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Malignant brain tumors present significant treatment challenges due to location and drug-resistant tumor stem cells, leading to high recurrence rates.
- Current treatments like surgery and chemoradiotherapy are limited by tumor location and resistance, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review successful oncolytic virus strains for glioma treatment, including those in clinical trials.
- To discuss the potential of oncolytic virotherapy and identify areas for improvement in treating brain tumors.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of existing literature on oncolytic viruses targeting glial tumors.
- Review of clinical trial data regarding the safety and efficacy of oncolytic virotherapy.
- Examination of genetic heterogeneity in glial tumors and its impact on viral therapy response.
Main Results:
- Technological advancements have led to the development of oncolytic viruses with potent anti-glioma activity.
- Clinical trials indicate that most oncolytic viruses are safe for patients.
- Variable patient responses highlight the need for enhanced oncolytic virotherapy approaches.
Conclusions:
- Oncolytic virotherapy is a promising avenue for treating malignant brain tumors, with demonstrated safety in clinical trials.
- Genetic heterogeneity of gliomas contributes to differential treatment responses, underscoring the need for personalized or improved viral strategies.
- Further development of oncolytic virotherapy methods is crucial to enhance treatment effectiveness for all glioma patients.
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