Oncolytic Virus Therapy: Using Viruses to Target Cancer Cells

What is Oncolytic Virus Therapy?

Oncolytic virus therapy is an innovative cancer treatment that uses genetically modified viruses to selectively infect and destroy cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue. These viruses are engineered to multiply within tumors, forcing cancer cells to rupture (lyse) and release antigens unique to the tumor. In addition to directly killing cancer cells, this also sets off a potent immune reaction that targets the tumor.

Successes in Trials and FDA-Approved Therapies

T-VEC (Imlygic), the first FDA-approved oncolytic virus for the treatment of metastatic melanoma, is among the most noteworthy achievements. T-VEC showed notable tumor reduction and increased survival rates in clinical trials, especially when paired with immunotherapy. With encouraging first findings, other viruses including coxsackievirus and adenovirus are also being investigated in cancers such as bladder cancer and glioblastoma.

Immune System Activation

Oncolytic viruses transform tumors into immunological hotspots in addition to killing cancer cells. Tumor signals are released by ruptured cancer cells, alerting the immune system and boosting T-cell responses against the malignancy. The therapy is especially useful for combating the immunosuppressive environment of tumors because of its “in situ vaccination” effect.

Combining with Immune-Boosting Therapies

Researchers are looking into combining natural immune-boosting substances like high-dose vitamin C, curcumin, and mistletoe extract with checkpoint inhibitors (like pembrolizumab). Although further research is required to establish their effectiveness, these integrative techniques may boost the immune response.

Potential Side Effects

Oncolytic viruses might result in flu-like symptoms, fever, exhaustion, or localised pain at injection sites, but they are usually less harmful than chemotherapy. Severe immunological reactions are uncommon and necessitate careful observation during treatment.

Current Availability and Clinical Trials

While T-VEC (Imlygic) remains the only FDA-approved oncolytic virus therapy—specifically for advanced melanoma—access can vary depending on location and healthcare systems. In addition to melanoma, oncolytic viruses are being tested in clinical trials for a variety of cancers, such as ovarian, breast, lung, pancreatic, and glioblastoma. To increase efficacy, several of these trials mix immunotherapies like checkpoint inhibitors with oncolytic viruses. 

A cutting-edge combination of immunotherapy and virology, oncolytic viral therapy provides a targeted, immune-stimulating method of treating cancer. It might become a vital component of individualized cancer treatment as research progresses.