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Updated: Jan 13, 2026

Paramyxoviruses for Tumor-targeted Immunomodulation: Design and Evaluation Ex Vivo
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Efficacy of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors and Oncoviruses in Solid Tumors

Hiba Mechahougui1,2, Léna Royston3, Catia Vieira Gomes2,4

  • 1Division of Medical Oncology, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland.

Clinical Cancer Research : an Official Journal of the American Association for Cancer Research
|January 6, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Viral infections contribute to 12-20% of global cancers, particularly in low-income nations. This review examines oncogenic viruses, solid tumors, and the inconsistent effectiveness of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in virus-associated cancers.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Virology
  • Immunotherapy

Background:

  • Viral infections are linked to 12-20% of global cancers, with significant disparities between high-income and low-to-middle-income countries.
  • Key oncogenic viruses implicated in solid tumors include HPV, EBV, HBV, HCV, KSHV/HHV-8, and MCPyV.
  • Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have transformed cancer treatment, but their efficacy in virus-associated cancers is variable.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the direct and indirect roles of various viruses in solid tumor carcinogenesis.
  • To analyze the effectiveness of immunotherapy, specifically ICIs, in virus-associated cancers based on infection status.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on viral carcinogenesis and immunotherapy outcomes.
  • Analysis of tumor microenvironment and immune response variability in virus-associated cancers.

Main Results:

  • Virus-associated tumors often display "hot" immune profiles, suggesting potential ICI responsiveness.
  • Clinical outcomes with ICIs in virus-associated cancers show significant inconsistency.
  • Variability in tumor microenvironments and immune responses may explain inconsistent ICI benefits.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding the interplay between oncogenic viruses and the immune system is crucial for optimizing cancer immunotherapy.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate factors driving differential responses to ICIs in virus-driven malignancies.

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