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Transarterial Administration of Oncolytic Viruses for Locoregional Therapy of Orthotopic HCC in Rats
Published on: April 15, 2016
Oncolytic virus-based hepatocellular carcinoma treatment: Current status, intravenous delivery strategies, and
Xinguo Li1, Xiaonan Sun2, Bingyuan Wang1
1The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China.
Abstract:
Current treatments for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have limited success in improving patients' quality of life and prolonging life expectancy. The clinical need for more efficient and safe therapies has contributed to the exploration of emerging strategies. Recently, there has been increased interest in oncolytic viruses (OVs) as a therapeutic modality for HCC. OVs undergo selective replication in cancerous tissues and kill tumor cells. Strikingly, pexastimogene devacirepvec (Pexa-Vec) was granted an orphan drug status in HCC by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2013. Meanwhile, dozens of OVs are being tested in HCC-directed clinical and preclinical trials. In this review, the pathogenesis and current therapies of HCC are outlined. Next, we summarize multiple OVs as single therapeutic agents for the treatment of HCC, which have demonstrated certain efficacy and low toxicity. Emerging carrier cell-, bioengineered cell mimetic- or nonbiological vehicle-mediated OV intravenous delivery systems in HCC therapy are described. In addition, we highlight the combination treatments between oncolytic virotherapy and other modalities. Finally, the clinical challenges and prospects of OV-based biotherapy are discussed, with the aim of continuing to develop a fascinating approach in HCC patients.
Insights
Oncolytic viruses (OVs) show promise for treating advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by selectively killing cancer cells with low toxicity. This review explores OV therapies, delivery systems, and combination treatments for HCC, highlighting future prospects.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Virology
- Biotherapy
Background:
- Advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatments offer limited patient benefits.
- There is a critical need for novel, effective, and safe HCC therapies.
- Oncolytic viruses (OVs) are emerging as a promising therapeutic strategy for HCC.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current landscape of oncolytic virus (OV) applications in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) therapy.
- To summarize OV-based treatments, delivery systems, and combination strategies for HCC.
- To discuss the challenges and future directions of OV biotherapy in HCC.
Main Methods:
- Review of pathogenesis and current therapies for HCC.
- Summary of single-agent OV efficacy and toxicity in HCC.
- Description of advanced OV delivery systems (cell-mediated, mimetic, nonbiological vehicles).
- Highlighting combination therapies involving oncolytic virotherapy.
- Discussion of clinical challenges and future prospects.
Main Results:
- Oncolytic viruses (OVs) demonstrate efficacy and low toxicity as single agents in HCC treatment.
- Pexastimogene devacirepvec (Pexa-Vec) received orphan drug status for HCC.
- Various OV delivery systems are being developed for enhanced intravenous delivery.
- Combination treatments show potential for improved therapeutic outcomes in HCC.
Conclusions:
- Oncolytic virus (OV) therapy represents a promising approach for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
- Further research and clinical trials are needed to overcome challenges and optimize OV-based biotherapy for HCC patients.
- Combination strategies and advanced delivery systems may enhance the efficacy of OV therapy in HCC.
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