A Promising Future For Oncolytic Viruses As Cancer Immunotherapies

The development of oncolytic virus therapy has gained momentum over the past decade, due to its relatively safe mode of action and potential to enhance existing treatment options. A third of cancer vaccines in development are now oncolytic viruses, which are being developed for about 40 different types of cancer. In Vivo takes a closer look at therapies in development to see what the future holds for this promising therapy.  

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Cancer vaccines have gained in prominence over the last couple of decades, as the emergence of immuno-oncology has validated the immune system’s essential role in maintaining healthy cell division. This has led drug developers to explore the various ways in which vaccines can be designed, not just to battle infectious diseases, but also to target cancerous cells. Such cancer vaccines employ a range of technologies, including protein/peptide, nucleic acid, whole cell, as well as oncolytic virus (OV) vaccines.

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