Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 22, 2025

Paramyxoviruses for Tumor-targeted Immunomodulation: Design and Evaluation Ex Vivo
Published on: January 7, 2019
The application of oncolytic viruses in cancer therapy
Yang Gao1, Yan Wu1, Tian Huan1
1School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
Abstract:
Oncolytic therapy is a treatment method used to directly combat tumor cells by modifying the genes of naturally occurring low pathogenic viruses to form "rhizobia" virus. By taking the advantage of abnormal signal pathways in cancer cells, it selectively replicates in tumor cells leading to tumor cell lysis and death. At present, clinical studies widely employ biomolecular technology to transform oncolytic viruses to exert stronger oncolytic effects and reduce their adverse reactions. This review summarizes the current progresses and the molecular mechanism of oncolytic viruses towards tumor treatment and management.
Insights
Oncolytic virus therapy engineers viruses to target and destroy cancer cells. This review explores advancements in oncolytic virotherapy for improved tumor treatment and management.
Area of Science:
- Oncolytic virotherapy
- Cancer biology
- Molecular virology
Background:
- Oncolytic therapy utilizes genetically modified viruses to selectively infect and kill cancer cells.
- Viruses exploit abnormal cancer cell signaling pathways for replication and tumor lysis.
- Current research focuses on enhancing oncolytic virus efficacy and safety through biomolecular technology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current progress in oncolytic virus therapy for cancer treatment.
- To summarize the molecular mechanisms underlying oncolytic virus activity.
- To discuss advancements in transforming oncolytic viruses for enhanced therapeutic outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of clinical studies and biomolecular advancements.
- Analysis of genetic modification techniques for oncolytic viruses.
- Examination of molecular mechanisms of viral replication and tumor cell interaction.
Main Results:
- Oncolytic viruses demonstrate selective replication in tumor cells, leading to cell death.
- Biomolecular engineering enhances oncolytic virus potency and reduces adverse effects.
- Significant progress has been made in clinical applications of oncolytic virotherapy.
Conclusions:
- Oncolytic virus therapy is a promising approach for cancer treatment.
- Further research into molecular mechanisms will optimize therapeutic strategies.
- Continued development of biomolecular technologies will improve oncolytic virus efficacy and safety.
Related Concept Videos
Cancer Therapies
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
Tumor Immunotherapy
Cancer Vaccines
Cancer vaccines come in two categories: preventive (prophylactic) and treatment (active). Preventive vaccines, such as the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, protect against viruses that cause certain...
Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
Mechanisms of Retrovirus-induced Cancers
Rous Sarcoma Virus (RSV) and Cancer
RSV is a retrovirus that contains two copies of a plus-strand RNA genome. Its genome consists of four main open...

