Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death, affecting millions of lives each year. While viruses are often perceived as harmful, they can be engineered to fight against cancer. Oncolytic virotherapy, which uses modified viruses to selectively infect and kill cancer cells, is an innovative approach that holds promise as a treatment for various cancers. This presentation will go through an in-depth analysis of existing research to explore the potential of oncolytic viruses such as herpes simplex viruses, adenovirus, and Zika virus in cancer therapy.
By reviewing findings from current studies, I will explore how these viruses use their unique ability to multiply in tumour cells and trigger immune responses, providing two key benefits: directly destroying tumours and activating the immune system to combat cancer. Additionally, I will analyse how viruses can be engineered to fight cancer, offering a targeted and immune-boosting approach that overcomes resistance and poor tumour targeting in traditional therapies. Oncolytic virotherapy is also promising in personalised medicine, where viruses can be designed to target specific tumour markers. In combination therapies, they can enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapy. By analysing current evidence, this presentation highlights the transformative potential of oncolytic viruses, offering hope for patients with hard-to-treat cancers and paving the way for innovative advancements in cancer therapy.