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Paramyxoviruses for Tumor-targeted Immunomodulation: Design and Evaluation Ex Vivo
Published on: January 7, 2019
Oncolytic viruses in brain cancer therapy: advances, challenges, and clinical trial outcomes
Yaser Arjeini1, Sara Khalili Dermani1, Sanaz Sadeh2
1Department of Research and Development, Production and Research Complex, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract:
Malignant intracranial tumors are a major cause of morbidity and mortality across age groups. To assess recent progress in glioblastoma (GBM) oncolytic virotherapy, literature was searched in PubMed and Google Scholar using the keywords glioblastoma, oncolytic virus, clinical trials, brain tumor, and oncolytic virotherapy resistance. Relevant studies published through 2024 were reviewed. Brain tumors vary in prevalence, but many have poor prognosis and low survival rates. Among available treatment approaches, oncolytic virotherapy has gained strong attention as a promising cancer therapy. Existing evidence shows that oncolytic viruses (OVs) can produce meaningful anti-tumor effects; however, tumor cells may resist OV activity through several mechanisms. These include alterations in tumor-cell molecular pathways, features of the tumor microenvironment, and physiological barriers within the patient's body. Some OVs have completed in vitro and in vivo studies and are now being evaluated in clinical trials, while others remain in early preclinical development. Clinical success depends on the intrinsic anti-tumor activity of OVs, methods used to enhance them, and their ability to incorporate new genetic and antigenic features. Such modifications may improve immune evasion, tumor targeting, tumor lysis, and anti-tumor immune responses, supporting development of next-generation OVs.
Insights
Oncolytic virotherapy shows promise for treating glioblastoma (GBM), a deadly brain tumor. Research reviews progress and challenges, including tumor resistance mechanisms, for developing effective oncolytic virus (OV) therapies.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Virology
- Cancer Therapy
Background:
- Malignant intracranial tumors, particularly glioblastoma (GBM), represent a significant cause of morbidity and mortality.
- Despite advances, many brain tumors have poor prognoses and low survival rates, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in oncolytic virotherapy for glioblastoma.
- To identify mechanisms of resistance to oncolytic viruses (OVs) and strategies for overcoming them.
Main Methods:
- A literature search was conducted in PubMed and Google Scholar using keywords: glioblastoma, oncolytic virus, clinical trials, brain tumor, and oncolytic virotherapy resistance.
- Relevant studies published up to 2024 were reviewed to assess the progress and challenges in OV therapy for GBM.
Main Results:
- Oncolytic viruses (OVs) demonstrate potential anti-tumor effects but face resistance from tumor cells via molecular pathways, the tumor microenvironment, and physiological barriers.
- Several OVs are progressing through preclinical and clinical trials, with some showing promise in treating brain tumors.
Conclusions:
- Clinical success of OV therapy for glioblastoma hinges on intrinsic viral activity, enhancement strategies, and genetic/antigenic modifications.
- Future directions include developing next-generation OVs with improved immune evasion, tumor targeting, lysis, and anti-tumor immune responses to enhance efficacy.
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