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Published on: January 7, 2019
Oncolytic viruses in cancer therapy: Mechanisms, challenges, and emerging clinical applications
Shivraj Popat Jadhav1, Chandrashekhar Dinkar Patil2, Ashish Yashwantrao Pawar3
1Department of Pharmaceutics, Divine College of Pharmacy, Satana, Nashik, Maharashtra 423301, India.
Oncolytic virus therapy (OVT) uses viruses to kill cancer cells and boost the immune system. Approved therapies and combination strategies show promise, but challenges remain for wider cancer treatment adoption.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Virology
- Immunotherapy
Background:
- Oncolytic virus therapy (OVT) is an emerging cancer treatment strategy.
- Viruses are engineered to selectively target and destroy tumor cells.
- OVT also stimulates the body's immune system to fight cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive review of Oncolytic Viruses (OVs).
- To cover mechanisms of action, recent advances, and clinical potential.
- To highlight emerging strategies and challenges in OVT.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature review was performed.
- Searched major biomedical databases (PubMed, Scopus, etc.).
- Screened peer-reviewed articles, clinical trials, and regulatory data (last 4-6 years).
Main Results:
- Several OV platforms (e.g., HSV-1, HAdV-C5, T3D, Vaccinia virus) show therapeutic efficacy.
- Talimogene laherparepvec (T-VEC) is FDA-approved for melanoma.
- OVs work via direct oncolysis, immunogenic cell death, and immune activation.
- Combination therapies (e.g., with ICIs) show synergistic effects.
Conclusions:
- OVT offers a dual-action approach for cancer treatment.
- Challenges include immune clearance, delivery, and patient response variability.
- Innovations like synthetic engineering and nanoparticle delivery are key.
- Continued innovation and validation are crucial for OVT adoption in precision oncology.
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