Oncolytic virotherapy using neural stem cells as a novel treatment option for glioblastoma multiforme

Abstract

The most deadly and aggressive form of brain cancer is called a glioblastoma multiforme. Following diagnosis, the median duration of survival is only 14 months. It is imperative to develop cutting-edge therapeutic options because the results of conventional treatments are so poor. Replication-competent oncolytic viruses and replication-deficient viral vectors can be used to treat malignant tumors, an idea that has been around for more than a century. Cancer cells can be eliminated by any class. Oncolytic viruses are created with the specific purpose of locating, attacking, and multiplying in cancerous cells while bypassing normal brain tissue. Because of this, the viruses can kill tumors while protecting healthy brain cells. Getting the oncolytic virus reach tumor locations where it is needed is the biggest challenge. If neural stem cells were used as carrier cells to deliver oncolytic viruses to the right tumor locations, glioblastoma multiforme virotherapy will be significantly more efficient. The most recent advancements in the field of utilizing neural stem cells to deliver oncolytic viruses into glioblastoma tumors are the main focus of this review.