Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 9, 2026
Paramyxoviruses for Tumor-targeted Immunomodulation: Design and Evaluation Ex Vivo
Published on: January 7, 2019
Oncolytic viruses and neoantigen vaccines: opportunities and challenges in priming antitumour immunity
André Mansinho1, Joana Albuquerque2,3, Emiliano Calvo3
1START Lisbon, Unidade Local de Saúde Santa Maria, Lisboa, Portugal.
Abstract:
In the past years the therapeutic landscape in Oncology has been expanded, creating new possibilities in achieving superior tumor specificity and minimizing systemic toxicity. Amidst these, oncolytic viruses and cancer vaccines have risen as ingenious approaches that harness unique mechanisms of action, exploiting the immune system to destroy malignancies. Oncolytic viruses, typically modified to selectively infect cancer cells, ultimately lead to their destruction, offering both the benefit of direct cytolysis and the subsequent activation of our immune system, which might therefore improve durable responses. On the other hand, cancer vaccines, aim to provoke a targeted immune response against antigens that are tumor specific, ultimately enhancing immune surveillance and reducing the risk of relapse. Despite the promising rationale behind these approaches, there are significant challenges in areas such as the optimisation of therapeutic delivery, tackling tumor immune evasion and managing new emergent adverse events. This Series paper discusses the potential impact of these strategies on the current landscape of cancer treatment, while also covering the challenges that might emerge in clinical implementation.
Insights
New cancer therapies like oncolytic viruses and cancer vaccines harness the immune system for targeted tumor destruction. Challenges remain in delivery, immune evasion, and managing side effects for effective clinical use.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunotherapy
Background:
- The therapeutic landscape in oncology is evolving with novel strategies.
- Oncolytic viruses and cancer vaccines offer new avenues for tumor-specific treatment and reduced systemic toxicity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the potential impact of oncolytic viruses and cancer vaccines on cancer treatment.
- To cover the challenges associated with the clinical implementation of these immunotherapeutic strategies.
Main Methods:
- Review of oncolytic viruses and cancer vaccines as immunotherapeutic approaches.
- Discussion of mechanisms of action, including direct cytolysis and immune system activation.
- Analysis of challenges such as therapeutic delivery, tumor immune evasion, and adverse events.
Main Results:
- Oncolytic viruses selectively infect and destroy cancer cells, activating the immune system for durable responses.
- Cancer vaccines induce targeted immune responses against tumor-specific antigens, enhancing surveillance and reducing relapse risk.
- Significant challenges include optimizing delivery, overcoming tumor immune evasion, and managing emergent adverse events.
Conclusions:
- Oncolytic viruses and cancer vaccines represent promising advancements in cancer therapy.
- Addressing challenges in delivery, immune evasion, and safety is crucial for successful clinical implementation.
- These strategies have the potential to significantly impact the future of cancer treatment.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:30Cancer Vaccines
Cancer vaccines come in two categories: preventive (prophylactic) and treatment (active). Preventive vaccines, such as the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, protect against viruses that cause certain...
01:27Tumor Immunotherapy
02:49Cancer Therapies
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
02:49Cancer Therapies
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
01:51Mechanisms of Retrovirus-induced Cancers
01:51Mechanisms of Retrovirus-induced Cancers