Oncolytic Virus as a New Treatment Technology in Cancer

Abstract

Oncolytic viruses (OVs) are promising antineoplastic agents, leveraging unique capacities of certain viruses to specifically damage malignant cells without affecting normal tissues. Current article explores the mechanisms by which OVs exploit the dysregulated biology of cancer cells, leading to tumor regression and enhanced immune responses. Recent advancements in genetic engineering have led to developing modified viruses that can deliver therapeutic genes or immune-stimulatory proteins, further amplifying their antitumor effects. Clinical trials have demonstrated manageable safety profiles, with OVs therapies showing potential for durable responses through the induction of immunogenic cell death and long-term immune memory. However, challenges such as the hostile tumor microenvironment and the need for predictive biomarkers remain critical barriers to widespread clinical application. This article discusses ongoing research aimed at overcoming these challenges, including combination therapies with checkpoint inhibitors and strategies to enhance viral delivery. Integrating OV into existing treatment paradigms can significantly improve patient outcomes across diverse malignancies. This review highlights the transformative capacity of OV therapy as a cornerstone of future treatment strategies.