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Published on: April 15, 2016
Oncolytic viral therapy as a novel potential solution for treatment of pancreatic cancer
Piruz Shadbash1,2, Seyed Masoud Hosseini2, Sahel Abyar1,2
1Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract:
Pancreatic cancer (PC) remains one of the most formidable malignancies, with survival rates showing minimal improvement over the years despite progress in chemotherapy, targeted treatments, and radiation therapy. The development of targeted agents and chemotherapy for cancer treatment has only moderately influenced clinical results and has not significantly altered 5-year survival rates. However, with the rapid discovery of the genetic and molecular functions underlying PC, new opportunities for targeted therapies are emerging. One promising approach is oncolytic viral therapy, which has shown potential as a targeted agent for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. Based on the available evidence, oncolytic viral therapy appears to be a viable treatment option for pancreatic cancer. In the present narrative review, we explore oncolytic viruses in detail, and their potential applications in cancer therapy as a future alternative treatment are investigated.
Insights
Pancreatic cancer treatment shows limited progress. Oncolytic viral therapy offers a promising new avenue for targeted pancreatic cancer treatment, potentially improving patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Pancreatic cancer (PC) has dismal survival rates despite advances in conventional therapies.
- Current treatments like chemotherapy and radiation offer limited impact on 5-year survival.
- Emerging research into PC's genetic and molecular landscape reveals new therapeutic targets.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the potential of oncolytic viruses as a targeted therapy for pancreatic cancer.
- To explore the mechanisms and applications of oncolytic viral therapy in PC treatment.
- To assess oncolytic viral therapy as a future alternative treatment for pancreatic cancer.
Main Methods:
- This study is a narrative review of existing literature on oncolytic viruses and pancreatic cancer.
- Literature search focused on genetic and molecular underpinnings of PC and viral therapy applications.
- Analysis of evidence supporting oncolytic viral therapy's efficacy and viability.
Main Results:
- Oncolytic viral therapy has emerged as a promising targeted approach for pancreatic cancer.
- The genetic and molecular understanding of PC supports the development of novel targeted agents.
- Available evidence suggests oncolytic viral therapy is a viable treatment option.
Conclusions:
- Oncolytic viral therapy presents a potential breakthrough in pancreatic cancer treatment.
- Further research and clinical application of oncolytic viruses could significantly impact PC outcomes.
- This therapy offers a future alternative for managing this challenging malignancy.
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