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Paramyxoviruses for Tumor-targeted Immunomodulation: Design and Evaluation Ex Vivo
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A comprehensive review redefining viruses as therapeutic agents in cancer treatment

Anjana Jadhav1, Aravind J1, Trupti Patel2

  • 1Department of BioSciences, School of Bio-Sciences & Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, 632014, Tamil Nadu, India.

Discover Oncology
|November 28, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Oncolytic viruses (OVs) are engineered to target cancer cells, offering a promising cancer therapy. Genetic modifications enhance their safety and effectiveness, paving the way for innovative treatments.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Virology
  • Immunotherapy

Background:

  • Oncolytic viruses (OVs) selectively destroy cancer cells with minimal harm to healthy tissues.
  • Historical observations noted tumor regression during systemic viral infections.
  • Modern technology allows for harnessing OVs as anti-cancer therapeutics.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review strategies for enhancing OV therapeutic potential.
  • To explore the synergistic effects of combining OVs with other cancer treatments.
  • To elucidate the oncolytic mechanism of OVs.

Main Methods:

  • Genetic modification of OVs to reduce virulence, increase specificity, and boost immunogenicity.
  • Review of current research on OV therapeutic strategies.
  • Analysis of clinical trial outcomes for selected OVs.

Main Results:

  • OVs demonstrate selective cancer cell elimination.
  • Genetic engineering improves OV safety and efficacy.
  • Combination therapies with OVs show synergistic benefits.

Conclusions:

  • Oncolytic virus therapy is a promising approach for cancer treatment.
  • Advancements in OV technology, including Plant virus-based Nanoparticles (PVNPs) and Zika virus applications, offer new therapeutic avenues.
  • Further research and clinical trials are essential to fully realize the potential of OV immunotherapy.
Keywords:
Cancer stem cellsClinical trialsOncolytic virotherapyOncolytic virusesPVNPsStrategiesTumorsZika virus

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