Skip to main content
Journal cover image

Oncolytic viruses for cancer therapy I. Cell-external factors: virus entry and receptor interaction.

Publication ,  Journal Article
Campbell, SA; Gromeier, M
Published in: Onkologie
March 2005

After being recognized for their anti-neoplastic properties at the beginning of the last century, viruses are again being considered for use as therapeutic agents against cancer. Certain virus species have a propensity to replicate within transformed cells, which are commonly rendered vulnerable due to tumor-specific defects in their defense against viral infection. Other viruses have been modified to subject them to tumor-specific growth conditions. Oncolytic viruses carry the promise to efficiently target cancer cells for destruction and spread throughout tumor tissue to reach distant neoplastic loci without causing collateral damage to healthy tissues. In contrast to conventional cancer chemotherapy, viral anti-neoplastic agents require complex interactions with the host organism to reach their target and to unfold their oncolytic activity. Recent progress in the elucidation of the molecular mechanisms of viral pathogenesis has opened up new opportunities to manipulate virus-host interactions, generating effective anti-tumor strategies. On the other hand, significant obstacles towards the application of safe and efficacious viral therapies have become apparent. These frequently relate to the lack of cell culture and animal tumor models that accurately reflect the characteristics of cancerous tissues in patients. Throughout the past century, viral therapeutics against cancer have evolved into a new class of treatment strategies characterized by unique opportunities and challenges. A growing number of oncolytic viruses has entered clinical investigation or is scheduled to do so in the near future. Great efforts are being undertaken to rekindle an old idea and, with the help of new technologies, to realize its promise of new treatment facilities for cancer.

Duke Scholars

Published In

Onkologie

DOI

ISSN

0378-584X

Publication Date

March 2005

Volume

28

Issue

3

Start / End Page

144 / 149

Location

Switzerland

Related Subject Headings

  • Viruses
  • Virus Replication
  • Receptors, Virus
  • Oncology & Carcinogenesis
  • Neoplasms
  • Humans
  • Genetic Vectors
  • Genetic Therapy
  • 3202 Clinical sciences
  • 1103 Clinical Sciences
 

Citation

APA
Chicago
ICMJE
MLA
NLM
Campbell, S. A., & Gromeier, M. (2005). Oncolytic viruses for cancer therapy I. Cell-external factors: virus entry and receptor interaction. Onkologie, 28(3), 144–149. https://doi.org/10.1159/000083659
Campbell, Stephanie A., and Matthias Gromeier. “Oncolytic viruses for cancer therapy I. Cell-external factors: virus entry and receptor interaction.Onkologie 28, no. 3 (March 2005): 144–49. https://doi.org/10.1159/000083659.
Campbell, Stephanie A., and Matthias Gromeier. “Oncolytic viruses for cancer therapy I. Cell-external factors: virus entry and receptor interaction.Onkologie, vol. 28, no. 3, Mar. 2005, pp. 144–49. Pubmed, doi:10.1159/000083659.
Journal cover image

Published In

Onkologie

DOI

ISSN

0378-584X

Publication Date

March 2005

Volume

28

Issue

3

Start / End Page

144 / 149

Location

Switzerland

Related Subject Headings

  • Viruses
  • Virus Replication
  • Receptors, Virus
  • Oncology & Carcinogenesis
  • Neoplasms
  • Humans
  • Genetic Vectors
  • Genetic Therapy
  • 3202 Clinical sciences
  • 1103 Clinical Sciences