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Oncolytic virotherapy in cancer treatment: challenges and optimization prospects

Lingjuan Chen1,2,3, Mengsi Zuo4, Qin Zhou5

  • 1Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.

Frontiers in Immunology
|January 3, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Oncolytic viruses (OVs) are promising cancer therapies that can be engineered to enhance anti-tumor immunity. Combining OVs with other treatments, like immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), may benefit patients resistant to current therapies.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Virology
  • Immunotherapy

Background:

  • Oncolytic viruses (OVs) represent a novel class of cancer therapeutics.
  • OVs possess multiple therapeutic advantages, including tumor cell lysis, transgene expression, and tumor microenvironment (TME) modulation.
  • Their safety profile is generally well-tolerated and distinct from other cancer treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the mechanisms and limitations of OV monotherapy.
  • To explore the potential of combining OVs with other antitumor agents, particularly immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs).
  • To discuss challenges hindering OV development and provide guidance for clinical optimization.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of preclinical and clinical data on oncolytic viruses.
  • Analysis of OV mechanisms of action and combination strategies.
  • Summary of approved and emerging OVs with clinical indications.

Main Results:

  • OV monotherapy faces limitations that necessitate combination strategies.
  • Combination of OVs with ICIs shows promise for patients with durable response failures.
  • Several hurdles have impeded the clinical translation of OVs, including manufacturing and delivery challenges.

Conclusions:

  • Oncolytic viruses offer a versatile platform for cancer treatment, especially in combination therapies.
  • Optimizing OV strategies is crucial for overcoming current limitations and improving patient outcomes.
  • Further research and clinical trials are needed to fully realize the potential of OVs in cancer care.
Keywords:
antitumor immunitychallengescombination therapyimmune checkpoint inhibitoroncolytic viruses (OVs)

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