Oncolytic adenovirus: A tool for cancer therapy in combination with other therapeutic approaches

Area of Science:

• Oncolytic virotherapy
• Adenovirus-based cancer treatment
• Tumor-selective gene therapy

Background:

• Oncolytic viruses are engineered to selectively replicate in tumor cells, sparing healthy tissues.
• Adenoviruses (Ads) are favored for oncolytic virotherapy due to their advantageous characteristics.
• Current strategies focus on enhancing tumor selectivity and therapeutic efficacy of oncolytic Ads.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the structural modifications of oncolytic adenoviruses.
• To evaluate the antitumor efficacy of oncolytic adenoviruses in combination with other therapeutic strategies.
• To discuss the challenges associated with oncolytic adenovirus therapy.

Main Methods:

• Genomic modifications of adenoviruses, including deletions and promoter insertions, for tumor selectivity.
• Engineering Ads with checkpoint inhibitors, antigenic, or immunostimulatory molecules.
• Combination strategies involving dendritic cells and chemotherapeutic agents.

Main Results:

• Oncolytic adenoviruses demonstrate tumor cell lysis and stimulate immune responses.
• Genomic modifications and combination therapies significantly enhance antitumor effects.
• The reviewed strategies show potential for increasing the efficacy of oncolytic adenovirus treatments.

Conclusions:

• Oncolytic adenoviruses represent a viable strategy for cancer therapy.
• Combined therapeutic approaches amplify the antitumor potential of oncolytic adenoviruses.
• Addressing current challenges is crucial for the clinical translation of this treatment.