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Updated: Sep 14, 2025
A Bioluminescent and Fluorescent Orthotopic Syngeneic Murine Model of Androgen-dependent and Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer
Published on: March 6, 2018
Experimental models for developing oncolytic virotherapy for metastatic prostate cancer
Ying-Cheng Chen1, Marxa Leão Figueiredo1
1Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States.
Abstract:
Cancer has remained the second leading cause of death worldwide for over a century. Despite significant advances, effectively targeting cancer cells and overcoming therapeutic challenges remain critical goals. In this review, we focus on advanced metastatic prostate tumors, where the patients' five-year survival rate is less than 35%. While standard androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) has been effective for most prostate cancer patients, recurrence of aggressive tumors is common, emphasizing an urgent need for new treatment strategies. Immunotherapy has gained attention for its potential to harness the immune system against cancer cells. Among these, oncolytic virotherapy stands out for its tumor-specific tropism, its ability to transform or convert the immune-suppressive tumor microenvironment by enhancing immune cell infiltration, and its capacity for therapeutic gene delivery. This review explores the background of commonly used viruses, evaluation models (including cell culture, animal models, ex vivo platforms, and clinical trials), and the anticipated outcomes and challenges of oncolytic virotherapy. By addressing these aspects, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state and future directions of oncolytic virotherapy models in the treatment of advanced prostate cancer.
Insights
Oncolytic virotherapy offers a promising approach to combat advanced prostate cancer by utilizing viruses to target tumor cells and enhance immune responses. This review details its potential and evaluation models for treating this aggressive disease.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunotherapy
- Virology
Background:
- Prostate cancer is a leading cause of death, with advanced metastatic stages having poor survival rates.
- Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is standard but often leads to tumor recurrence.
- New therapeutic strategies are urgently needed for aggressive prostate cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the potential of oncolytic virotherapy for advanced metastatic prostate cancer.
- To explore evaluation models and challenges associated with this treatment modality.
- To provide a comprehensive overview of oncolytic virotherapy in prostate cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- Review of literature on oncolytic viruses and their mechanisms.
- Discussion of various evaluation models: cell culture, animal models, ex vivo platforms, and clinical trials.
- Analysis of therapeutic gene delivery capabilities of oncolytic viruses.
Main Results:
- Oncolytic virotherapy demonstrates tumor-specific targeting and immune-modulating capabilities.
- It can convert the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment by increasing immune cell infiltration.
- Viruses can be engineered for enhanced therapeutic gene delivery.
Conclusions:
- Oncolytic virotherapy presents a significant potential for treating advanced prostate cancer.
- Further research and clinical trials are necessary to optimize its application.
- This approach offers a novel strategy to overcome limitations of current therapies.
