Progress in the research and development of oncolytic virus therapies

Area of Science:

• Oncolytic virotherapy
• Cancer immunotherapy
• Viral oncology

Background:

• Oncolytic viruses (OVs) represent a significant advancement in cancer treatment, complementing traditional therapies like chemotherapy and targeted therapy.
• OVs selectively replicate within tumor cells, triggering both direct oncolysis and systemic anti-tumor immune responses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the evolution of oncolytic viruses from discovery to clinical application.
• To highlight key advancements in OV development, including viral backbone engineering, immune modulation, and combination strategies.
• To discuss current challenges and future directions for OV-based cancer therapeutics.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of the developmental trajectory of oncolytic viruses.
• Analysis of key advances in viral backbone design, immune regulatory gene insertion, and combination therapy.
• Evaluation of approved OV therapeutics and ongoing clinical trials for solid tumors.

Main Results:

• Several OV therapeutics are approved globally for treating melanoma, glioblastoma, and head and neck cancers.
• OVs demonstrate potential for broader indications, with ongoing trials exploring new applications.
• Approved OVs remodel the tumor microenvironment, inducing local and systemic anti-tumor effects.

Conclusions:

• Despite unique advantages, OV therapy faces challenges including limited monotherapy efficacy, delivery barriers, biomarker scarcity, and manufacturing issues.
• Future advancements in gene editing, delivery systems, and combination therapies are expected to enhance OV precision and personalization.
• Oncolytic viruses hold significant promise for broader application in managing solid tumors.