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Updated: Jan 25, 2026

Ex Vivo Infection of Live Tissue with Oncolytic Viruses
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Oncolytic Viruses: A New Weapon to Fight Cancer

Christopher W Brown1, John C Bell2

  • 1Department of Microbiology & Immunology and the Ottawa Health Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa Regional Cancer Center, Ottawa, Ontario; Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Ottawa, Ottawa Hospital General Campus, Ottawa, Ontario.

Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences
|May 5, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Oncolytic virus therapy shows promise for cancer treatment, with ongoing research focused on enhancing its effectiveness. Strategies are being developed to improve tumor targeting and immune system engagement for better patient outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Virology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • The concept of cancer remission following viral infection dates back to the early 20th century.
  • Advances in virotherapy and genetic engineering are nearing the approval of viral therapeutics in North America.
  • Oncolytic viruses offer a targeted approach to cancer treatment with a generally favorable safety profile.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide an overview of the current status of oncolytic viruses in cancer treatment.
  • To review the mechanisms of tumor selectivity and killing by oncolytic viruses.
  • To outline strategies for improving the efficacy of oncolytic virotherapy.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of articles from Medline using keywords: "virus," "oncolytic virus," "virotherapy," "cancer," and "clinical trials."
  • Focus on English-language review articles published from 2005 onwards.
  • Incorporation of relevant cited references and corroborating data.

Main Results:

  • Oncolytic viruses demonstrate tumor selectivity and killing capabilities, with clinical trial data showing varied anti-tumor efficacy.
  • Current strategies aim to enhance efficacy without compromising the safety of oncolytic virus therapy.
  • New methods for real-time quantification of oncolytic virus activity are under development.

Conclusions:

  • Harnessing the tumor microenvironment and immune system is crucial for enhancing oncolytic viral activity.
  • Improving the efficacy of oncolytic viruses requires strategic manipulation of these factors.
  • The clinical application of oncolytic viruses is advancing, with a growing understanding of their principles and use.

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