Advances in oncolytic virus delivery strategies and challenges in clinical translation

Yu Guo1, Chunyao Huang2,3,4, Lihua Xu1

  • 1Sino-British Research Centre for Molecular Oncology, National Centre for International Research in Cell and Gene Therapy, State Key Laboratory of Metabolic Dysregulation & Prevention and Treatment of Esophageal Cancer, Tianjian Laboratory of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Convergence Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.

Materials Today. Bio
|June 19, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Oncolytic viruses (OVs) offer dual cancer-fighting actions but face delivery challenges. Advanced delivery systems combined with OVs promise improved, personalized cancer therapies.

Area of Science:

  • Oncolytic virotherapy
  • Cancer immunotherapy
  • Drug delivery systems

Background:

  • Oncolytic viruses (OVs) are a promising cancer therapy, offering direct tumor cell lysis and immune system activation.
  • Systemic delivery of OVs is hindered by immune barriers and the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME).
  • Current delivery methods include naked virus and vector-based approaches, each with unique benefits and drawbacks.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the advantages and limitations of different OV delivery strategies.
  • To highlight challenges in systemic OV delivery, including immune clearance and stability.
  • To discuss the potential of combining OVs with advanced delivery systems for cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of current oncolytic virus delivery strategies.
  • Analysis of naked virus delivery versus vector-based delivery systems.
  • Evaluation of challenges and potential solutions for enhancing OV delivery efficiency and stability.

Main Results:

  • Both naked virus and vector-based delivery platforms have distinct pros and cons for OV delivery.
  • Common challenges for all OV delivery strategies include immune clearance and maintaining delivery stability.
  • Combining OVs with advanced delivery systems shows significant promise for enhancing therapeutic outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • Advanced delivery systems are crucial for overcoming challenges in systemic OV delivery.
  • Multifunctional platforms and optimized combination regimens are key for future OV therapies.
  • Further research and regulatory frameworks are needed to accelerate the clinical translation of OV-based cancer treatments.

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