Oncolytic viruses (OVs) are a promising new approach to treating cancer. These viruses have the unique ability to infect and destroy cancer cells while leaving normal cells unharmed.
One of the key mechanisms by which OVs work is through the induction of immunogenic cell death in tumor cells. When infected with an OV, cancer cells undergo a process known as oncolysis, where they are broken down and destroyed by the virus. As the tumor cells die, they release danger signals that alert the immune system to their presence. This triggers an immune response against the tumor, helping to further eliminate cancer cells and prevent their recurrence.
While only one oncolytic virus has been approved by the FDA for treating melanoma, there are numerous other viruses currently being evaluated in clinical trials for their potential as cancer therapies. These include viruses such as adenoviruses, reoviruses, and measles viruses, among others.
Overall, oncolytic viruses represent a promising new frontier in cancer treatment. By harnessing the power of these natural agents to selectively target and destroy tumor cells, researchers hope to develop more effective and less toxic therapies for patients with various types of cancer. As ongoing research continues to uncover new insights into how OVs work and how they can be optimized for clinical use, it is likely that we will see more oncolytic viruses approved for use in treating cancer in the near future.
25 фев 2024
