Oncolytic virus

Oncolytic virus is a type of virus that specifically infects and kills cancer cells. Oncolytic viruses are thought to work by selectively replicating in and killing cancer cells, thereby releasing a progeny virus that can infect other similar cells. This is in contrast to traditional therapies, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, which destroy both cancerous and healthy cells.

History

The concept of oncolytic viruses dates back to the 19th century, when doctors noticed that some cancer patients experienced remission after suffering from viral infections. However, it wasn't until the late 20th century that scientists began to understand the mechanisms by which viruses could be used to target cancer cells.

Mechanism of Action

Oncolytic viruses are able to selectively infect and kill cancer cells due to differences in the cellular machinery of normal and cancerous cells. These differences allow the virus to replicate in cancer cells, but not in normal cells. Once the virus has replicated, it causes the cancer cell to burst, releasing the new viruses to infect other cancer cells.

Types of Oncolytic Viruses

There are several types of oncolytic viruses currently being researched, including adenoviruses, herpes simplex viruses, and vesicular stomatitis viruses. Each of these viruses has unique properties that make them suitable for targeting certain types of cancer.

Clinical Trials

Several oncolytic viruses are currently in clinical trials for the treatment of various types of cancer. These trials are designed to test the safety and efficacy of the viruses, as well as to determine the optimal dosage and delivery method.

Future Directions

Research into oncolytic viruses is ongoing, with scientists continually discovering new ways to enhance the selectivity and potency of these viruses. Future directions for this field include the development of combination therapies, in which oncolytic viruses are used in conjunction with other treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

See Also

• Cancer therapy
• Virotherapy
• Gene therapy

References

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  Viral luciferase expression in a mouse tumour
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  Adenoviral NIS gene expression in a mouse tumour