Oncolytic virus therapy in cancer: A current review

Abstract

In view of the advancement in the understanding about the most diverse types of cancer and consequently a relentless search for a cure and increased survival rates of cancer patients, finding a therapy that is able to combat the mechanism of aggression of this disease is extremely important. Thus, oncolytic viruses (OVs) have demonstrated great benefits in the treatment of cancer because it mediates antitumor effects in several ways. Viruses can be used to infect cancer cells, especially over normal cells, to present tumor-associated antigens, to activate “danger signals” that generate a less immune-tolerant tumor microenvironment, and to serve transduction vehicles for expression of inflammatory and immunomodulatory cytokines. The success of therapies using OVs was initially demonstrated by the use of the genetically modified herpes virus, talimogene laherparepvec, for the treatment of melanoma. At this time, several OVs are being studied as a potential treatment for cancer in clinical trials. However, it is necessary to be aware of the safety and possible adverse effects of this therapy; after all, an effective treatment for cancer should promote regression, attack the tumor, and in the meantime induce minimal systemic repercussions. In this manuscript, we will present a current review of the mechanism of action of OVs, main clinical uses, updates, and future perspectives on this treatment.

Keywords: Oncolytic viruses, Antitumor response, Tumor lysis, Tumor cells, Mechanism, Therapy

Core Tip: Oncolytic viruses are organisms able to infect and lyse the tumor cells beyond stimulating the immune system to combat the disease. The clinical use of oncolytic viruses has shown to have positive results in the treatment of some types of cancers, contributing to reducing the tumor. Furthermore, the combined use of these viruses and other antitumor therapies have contributed to better prognosis in the patient’s clinical condition.