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Therapy with oncolytic viruses: progress and challenges

Sophia Z Shalhout1,2, David M Miller1,2,3, Kevin S Emerick2,4

  • 1Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.

Nature Reviews. Clinical Oncology
|January 11, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Oncolytic viruses (OVs) offer targeted cancer therapy with immune-boosting properties. This review details clinical experience with talimogene laherparepvec (T-VEC) and other OVs, guiding optimized use and overcoming development hurdles.

Area of Science:

  • Oncolytic virotherapy
  • Cancer immunotherapy
  • Viral oncology

Background:

  • Oncolytic viruses (OVs) are a promising cancer therapeutic class with selective tumor cell replication and immune-stimulating effects.
  • Talimogene laherparepvec (T-VEC) is the only widely approved OV therapy, primarily for recurrent melanoma.
  • Despite progress, a deeper understanding of OV biology and pharmacology is crucial for maximizing their therapeutic potential.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current data on oncolytic viruses (OVs) for cancer treatment.
  • To provide guidance on optimizing the clinical use of OVs, focusing on talimogene laherparepvec (T-VEC).
  • To discuss novel OVs in clinical development and challenges in OV advancement.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of clinical experience with talimogene laherparepvec (T-VEC).
  • Summary of data from clinical trials involving various oncolytic viruses (OVs).
  • Analysis of preclinical, clinical, and regulatory challenges impacting OV development.

Main Results:

  • Talimogene laherparepvec (T-VEC) has established clinical use for melanoma.
  • Data on T-VEC clinical experience is expanding, alongside trials of other OVs in diverse cancers.
  • Several novel OVs are in clinical development as monotherapies or combinations.

Conclusions:

  • Oncolytic viruses (OVs) represent a valuable therapeutic strategy in oncology.
  • Optimizing OV use requires a comprehensive understanding of their biology and clinical data.
  • Addressing existing hurdles is key to unlocking the full potential of oncolytic virotherapy.

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