An oncolytic
virus is a
virus that preferentially infects and kills
cancer cells. As the infected
cancer cells are destroyed by oncolysis, they release new infectious
virus particles or virions to help destroy the remaining tumour. Oncolytic
viruses are thought not only to cause direct destruction of the tumour cells, but also to stimulate host anti-tumour
immune system responses.
The potential of
viruses as anti-cancer agents was first realized in the early twentieth century, although coordinated research efforts did not begin until the 1960s. A number of
viruses including adenovirus, reovirus, measles, herpes simplex, Newcastle disease virus, and vaccinia have been clinically tested as oncolytic agents. Most current
oncolytic viruses are engineered for tumour selectivity, although there are naturally occurring examples such as reovirus and the Seneca virus, resulting in clinical trials.
Relevant Topics in Medical Sciences