History and Development of Oncolytic Virus Therapy
The use of viruses to treat cancer, also known as oncolytic virus therapy, is a relatively new approach that has been under development for over a century. Though the idea of using viruses to selectively target and kill cancer cells was proposed in the early 1900s, significant technological and medical advancements were needed before clinical trials could begin.
In the late 1980s and 1990s, researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Oncolytic Virus Therapy began conducting early phase clinical trials using genetically modified herpes simplex virus-1 to treat various cancer types. While some antiviral effects and patient responses were observed, the viruses lacked tumor selectivity and potency. This highlighted the need for selective replication of viruses within cancer cells.
Advances in molecular biology and virology over the next decade allowed for more controlled genetic engineering of oncolytic viruses. Viruses could now be designed to preferentially replicate in and lyse cancer cells while avoiding harm to normal tissues. Oncolytic viruses armed with transgenes to enhance immunity or directly kill tumors were also developed.
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