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Published on: April 3, 2018
From Benchtop to Bedside: A Review of Oncolytic Virotherapy
Audrey H Choi1, Michael P O'Leary2, Yuman Fong3,4
1Department of Surgery, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA. audreychoi@gmail.com.
Abstract:
Oncolytic viruses (OVs) demonstrate the ability to replicate selectively in cancer cells, resulting in antitumor effects by a variety of mechanisms, including direct cell lysis and indirect cell death through immune-mediate host responses. Although the mechanisms of action of OVs are still not fully understood, major advances have been made in our understanding of how OVs function and interact with the host immune system, resulting in the recent FDA approval of the first OV for cancer therapy in the USA. This review provides an overview of the history of OVs, their selectivity for cancer cells, and their multifaceted mechanism of antitumor action, as well as strategies employed to augment selectivity and efficacy of OVs. OVs in combination with standard cancer therapies are also discussed, as well as a review of ongoing human clinical trials.
Insights
Oncolytic viruses (OVs) selectively target cancer cells, offering new antitumor strategies. This review explores OV mechanisms, efficacy, and clinical applications in cancer therapy.
Area of Science:
- Oncolytic virotherapy
- Cancer immunology
- Viral oncology
Background:
- Oncolytic viruses (OVs) selectively replicate in cancer cells, inducing antitumor effects via direct lysis and immune responses.
- Despite recent FDA approval, OV mechanisms and immune interactions require further elucidation.
- Understanding OV action is crucial for advancing cancer treatment paradigms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the history and evolution of oncolytic viruses (OVs) in cancer therapy.
- To elucidate the multifaceted mechanisms of OV antitumor action and host immune interactions.
- To discuss strategies for enhancing OV selectivity and efficacy, including combination therapies and ongoing clinical trials.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of historical and current research on oncolytic viruses.
- Analysis of scientific data on OV replication, cell lysis, and immune modulation.
- Synthesis of information on clinical trials and therapeutic strategies involving OVs.
Main Results:
- OVs exhibit selective replication in cancer cells, leading to direct tumor destruction.
- OVs stimulate host immune responses, contributing to indirect antitumor effects.
- Various strategies are being developed to improve OV selectivity and therapeutic efficacy.
Conclusions:
- Oncolytic viruses represent a promising therapeutic modality for cancer treatment.
- Further research into OV mechanisms and combination therapies will enhance their clinical utility.
- Ongoing clinical trials are vital for validating the safety and effectiveness of OVs in diverse cancer types.
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