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Updated: Feb 5, 2026
Ex Vivo Infection of Live Tissue with Oncolytic Viruses
Published on: June 25, 2011
The advent of oncolytic virotherapy in oncology: The Rigvir® story
Pēteris Alberts1, Andra Tilgase1, Agnija Rasa1
1International Virotherapy Center, Teātra iela 9-9, Riga LV-1050, Latvia.
Abstract:
Oncolytic viruses are a fast-developing cancer treatment field. Numerous viruses have been tested in clinical trials and three are approved. The first, Rigvir, is an immunomodulator with anti-tumour effect for treatment of melanoma, local treatment of skin and subcutaneous metastases of melanoma, for prevention of relapse and metastasis after radical surgery registered in Latvia, Georgia, Armenia and Uzbekistan. The aim of the present review is to summarize the development of Rigvir. Approximately 60 viruses were screened preclinically. Clinical safety and efficacy trials were with 5 oncolytic enteroviruses. Safety of the selected and melanoma-adapted ECHO-7 virus Rigvir was tested in over 180 patients with no severe adverse events observed. Pre-registration efficacy studies involved over 700 cancer patients: over 540 melanoma patients, and patients with late stage stomach (ca. 90), colorectal cancer (ca. 60), and other cancers. Patients were treated with Rigvir for 3 years after surgery and compared to immunotherapy: 3- and 5-year overall survival appeared to be increased in Rigvir treated patients. In post-marketing retrospective studies, Rigvir-treated stage II melanoma patients showed a 6.67-fold decreased risk for disease progression in comparison to those that had been observed according to guidelines, and stage IB and stage II melanoma patients that had received Rigvir therapy had 4.39-6.57-fold lower mortality. The results are confirmed and extended by case reports. Several immunological markers have been measured. In conclusion, Rigvir is an oncotropic and oncolytic virus for treatment of melanoma; the results will be confirmed and updated by modern clinical studies.
Insights
Rigvir, an oncolytic virus therapy, demonstrates significant potential in melanoma treatment. Clinical studies show improved survival rates and reduced disease progression in patients receiving Rigvir, highlighting its efficacy as an immunomodulator.
Area of Science:
- Oncolytic virotherapy
- Cancer immunotherapy
- Melanoma treatment
Background:
- Oncolytic viruses represent a rapidly advancing area in cancer therapy.
- Rigvir, an ECHO-7 virus, is an approved immunomodulator for melanoma treatment and metastasis prevention.
- Its development and clinical application have been explored across multiple countries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the development and clinical journey of Rigvir, an oncolytic enterovirus.
- To summarize preclinical screening, clinical safety, and efficacy data for Rigvir.
- To assess Rigvir's impact on overall survival and disease progression in cancer patients, particularly melanoma.
Main Methods:
- Preclinical screening of approximately 60 viruses.
- Clinical safety and efficacy trials involving 5 oncolytic enteroviruses, including Rigvir (ECHO-7 virus).
- Retrospective post-marketing studies and case reports analyzing patient data, survival rates, and immunological markers.
Main Results:
- Rigvir demonstrated safety in over 180 patients with no severe adverse events.
- Efficacy studies involving over 700 patients (including 540+ melanoma) indicated increased 3- and 5-year overall survival compared to immunotherapy.
- Post-marketing studies revealed a significantly decreased risk of disease progression and lower mortality rates in Rigvir-treated melanoma patients.
Conclusions:
- Rigvir is an oncotropic and oncolytic virus effective for melanoma treatment.
- Clinical data suggest Rigvir enhances survival and reduces progression in melanoma patients.
- Further confirmation and updates are expected from ongoing modern clinical studies.
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