Efficacy of oncolytic virus in the treatment of intermediate-to-advanced solid tumors: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Abstract

This meta-analysis assessed oncolytic virus therapy's efficacy for intermediate-to-advanced solid tumors. We systematically searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases until March 6, 2025. Our review included 87 studies, involving 5,385 individuals, encompassing 75 clinical trials and 12 retrospective studies. Patient response rates were as follows: complete response (CR) 11%, partial response (PR) 18%, stable disease (SD) 32%, and progressive disease (PD) 32%. The overall response rate (ORR) was 29%, and the durable response rate (DRR) was 39%. Comparing oncolytic virus therapy to alternatives, the odds ratio (OR) for overall response was 1.62, and the hazard ratio (HR) for overall survival (OS) was 0.86. This analysis emphasizes the effectiveness of oncolytic virus therapy for intermediate-to-advanced solid tumors, highlighting its promise as a treatment option. These findings offer vital insights into cancer therapy researchers and practitioners.IMPORTANCEAlthough previous meta-analyses on this topic have been published, our research addresses the limitations of previous studies by including missed and newly published studies, updating the results, and conducting extensive subgroup analyses. Our study fills a gap in the literature by providing a comprehensive evaluation of the therapeutic potential of oncolytic viruses for solid tumors.