Emerging Recombinant Oncolytic Poliovirus Therapies Against Malignant Glioma: A Review

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a fourth-grade malignant glioma that continues to be the main contributor to primary malignant brain tumour-related death in humans. The most prevalent primary brain tumours are gliomas. The most dangerous of these neoplasms, GBM, has been shown to be one of the most lethal and refractory tumours. For those who have been diagnosed with GBM, the median time to progression, as determined by magnetic resonance imaging, is roughly six months, and the median survival is approximately one year. GBM is challenging to manage with old treatments like chemotherapy, tumour debulking, and radiation therapy. Treatment outcomes are poor, and due to this effect, the treatment is not up to the mark. GBM also shows diagnostic complexity due to limitations in the use of specific targeted therapies. The treatment protocol followed currently has an entire focus on safe resection and radiotherapy. Protein synthesis is not tightly regulated physiologically in malignant cells, which promotes unchecked growth and proliferation. An innovative, experimental technique for treating cancer uses polioviruses that have been genetically altered to target a fascinating aberration of translation regulation in cancer. This approach enables precise and effective cancer cell targeting based on the convergence of numerous variables. Oncolytic viruses have revolutionised cancer treatment. However, their effectiveness in glioblastoma remains restricted, necessitating more improvement. Oncolytic poliovirus has shown great potential in the treatment of GBM. Factors like the blood-brain barrier, immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment (TME), and tumour heterogeneity make treatment for malignant gliomas ineffective. In this review, we have focused on oncolytic viruses, specifically oncolytic poliovirus, and we explore malignant glioma treatments. We have also discussed currently available conventional treatment options for malignant glioma and other brain tumours.