The Trend in the Development of Oncolytic Virus Therapy

The oncolytic viruses selectively infect and destroy cancer cells, not harming normal cells. The cancer cell materials released by oncolysis, like tumor antigens, stimulate host antitumor immune responses, which is a long-lasting antitumor immunity removing cancer cells in remote parts of the body by a systemic response. Oncolytic viruses armed with transgenes such as cytokines or other immune stimulating factors enhance the immune responses. The first oncolytic virus approved by US-FDA is $Imlygic^{(R)}$ targeting for melanoma. The oncolytic virus is considered as a revolutionary immunotherapy for tumors together with immune checkpoint inhibitors. A variety of oncolytic viruses are under research in the treatment of kidney cancer, liver cancer, breast cancer, and many others solid tumors. Clinical trials have shown promising results in different types of cancers. Here, we present a brief introduction of various aspects of oncolytic virus, and a review of the current status of oncolytic virus therapy development.