Oncolytic virus therapy for malignant diseases
Medical Review (Med. pregled), 2025, 61(1), 5-11.
G. Dimitrov1,2, T. Valkov3,4, R. Argirova5
1 Department of Nuclear Medicine, Radiotherapy, and Medical Oncology, Faculty of Medicine at Medical University – Sofia
2 Clinic of Medical Oncology, University Multiprofile Hospital for Active Treatment „Tsaritsa Yoanna–ISUL“ – Sofia
3 Department of Infectious Diseases, Parasitology, and Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine at Medical University – Sofia
4 University Hospital for Active Treatment in Infectious and Parasitic Diseases „Prof. Ivan Kirov“ – Sofia
5 Clinical Laboratory, Acibadem City Clinic University Multiprofile Hospital Tokuda – Sofia
Abstract. Oncolytic viruses (OVs) represent a specific group of viruses that selectively attack and destroy cancer cells without harming healthy ones. They replicate within tumor cells, causing lysis or apoptosis, and stimulate the immune system to recognize and eliminate cancer cells. OVs are used to treat various solid tumors such as melanoma, glioma, and liver cancer, either alone or in combination with other treatment modalities. By the end of 2023, 333 clinical trials with oncolytic viruses had been completed or are undergoing. Overall, these studies show an acceptable safety profile, but therapeutic effectiveness still does not meet current needs and expectations. Common side effects include local pain at the injection site, nausea, fever, and flu-like symptoms. Even though OV therapy holds promise; it requires further research to optimize its efficacy and safety.
Key words: oncolytic viruses, malignancies, cancer therapy
Address for correspondence: Georgi Dimitrov, MD, e-mail: g.dimitrov.md@gmail.com