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Oncolytic Virotherapy: A New Paradigm in Cancer Immunotherapy

Simona Ruxandra Volovat1, Dragos Viorel Scripcariu2, Ingrid Andrada Vasilache3

  • 1Department of Medical Oncology-Radiotherapy, "Grigore T. Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 University Str., 700115 Iasi, Romania.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|January 23, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Oncolytic viruses (OVs) offer promising cancer treatment by directly killing tumors and stimulating immune responses. Combining OVs with standard therapies may overcome resistance and improve patient outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Virology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Oncolytic viruses (OVs) are viruses that selectively infect and kill cancer cells.
  • OVs possess multiple antitumor mechanisms, including direct cell lysis, immune system potentiation, and modulation of the tumor microenvironment.
  • Challenges in oncolytic virotherapy include viral delivery to tumor cells and potential resistance mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a comprehensive update on oncolytic viruses (OVs) in cancer treatment.
  • To review the mechanisms of action, challenges, and future prospects of OV therapy.
  • To explore the potential of combining OVs with standard cancer treatment modalities.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on oncolytic viruses and their application in cancer therapy.
  • Analysis of antitumor mechanisms of OVs, including direct and indirect actions.
  • Evaluation of resistance factors and strategies to enhance OV efficacy, such as combination therapies.

Main Results:

  • OVs demonstrate pleiotropic antitumor effects and varied interactions with host and tumor cells.
  • OVs have shown efficacy in clinical trials against various cancers, including melanoma, lung, and hepatic cancers.
  • Resistance to OV therapy exists, necessitating combination strategies.

Conclusions:

  • Oncolytic virotherapy is a rapidly evolving field with significant therapeutic potential.
  • Combining OVs with chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapies, and cellular therapies is crucial for improving response rates.
  • Further research into OV delivery, resistance mechanisms, and combination strategies will enhance their clinical utility.
Keywords:
immune virotherapynanomedicineoncolytic virotherapyviral biotechnologyvirus engineering

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