Comprehensive assessment on the applications of oncolytic viruses for cancer immunotherapy

Abstract

The worldwide burden of cancers is increasing at a very high rate, including the aggressive and resistant forms of cancers. Certain levels of breakthrough have been achieved with the conventional treatment methods being used to treat different forms of cancers, but with some limitations. These limitations include hazardous side effects, destruction of non-tumor healthy cells that are rapidly dividing and developing, tumor resistance to anti-cancer drugs, damage to tissues and organs, and so on. However, oncolytic viruses have emerged as a worthwhile immunotherapeutic option for the treatment of different types of cancers. In this treatment approach, oncolytic viruses are being modeled to target cancer cells with optimum cytotoxicity and spare normal cells with optimal safety, without the oncolytic viruses themselves being killed by the host immune defense system. Oncolytic viral infection of the cancer cells are also being genetically manipulated (either by removal or addition of certain genes into the oncolytic virus genome) to make the tumor more visible and available for attack by the host immune cells. Hence, different variants of these viruses are being developed to optimize their antitumor effects. In this review, we examined how grave the burden of cancer is on a global level, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, major conventional therapeutic approaches to the treatment of cancer and their individual drawbacks. We discussed the mechanisms of action employed by these oncolytic viruses and different viruses that have found their relevance in the fight against various forms of cancers. Some pre-clinical and clinical trials that involve oncolytic viruses in cancer management were reported. This review also examined the toxicity and safety concerns surrounding the adoption of oncolytic viro-immunotherapy for the treatment of cancers and the likely future directions for researchers and general audience who wants updated information.

New hopes for the breast cancer treatment: perspectives on the oncolytic virus therapy

“…The application of oncolytic viruses is not without potential side effects on non-tumour cells ( 104 ). While oncolytic viruses are designed to selectively target and destroy cancer cells, they may inadvertently impact neighbouring healthy cells ( 105 ).…”

Engineering approaches for innate immune-mediated tumor microenvironment remodeling

“… 96 Further studies have shown that T-VEC can be used in combination with other immunotherapies such as anti-PD-1 to enhance treatment response rates ( Figure 4 A). 97 , 98 , 99 , 100 …”

“…Current and future research on OV therapies aims to address the potential for off-target virulence and toxicity and find methods to mitigate or utilize innate antiviral immune responses that can otherwise inhibit OV efficacy, allowing for systemic or repeat administration. 86 , 98 , 101 …”

Medication Adherence in Cancer Patients: A Comprehensive Review

“…However, more advanced methodologies such as gene therapy, stem cell therapy (induced pluripotent stem cells, embryonic stem cells, hemopoietic stem cells, neuronal stem cells, and cancer stem cells), monoclonal antibodies, nano-based medicine, ablation (thermal ablation, cryoablation, and radiofrequency ablation), and chemodynamic and ferroptosis-based therapies, along with radiodynamic therapies, radionics, chitosan-based photodynamic therapy, targeted delivery-based therapy modalities using folic acidconjugated photo-responsive polymeric particles, oncolytic virus-based therapy, and natural antioxidant therapies, have been explored in the cancer treatment. Some of these interventions are at different stages of development, and a few are already being approved and utilized for the treatment of various cancers [7][8][9][10][11]. The anticancer properties of thioredoxin-binding protein (TXNIP) have been investigated for its application to treat cancer [12].…”