Integrating oncolytic viruses in combination cancer immunotherapy

Oncolytic viruses can target multiple steps within the cancer-immunity cycle.

• Oncolytic viruses directly destroy tumour cells, releasing soluble antigens and signals that promote immune responses against cancer.
• These viruses may enhance the recruitment of T cells into areas of tumours that are usually resistant to immune attack.
• Some oncolytic viruses can be modified to deliver therapeutic genes, potentially improving treatment efficacy.
• They can also use existing tumours as sources for neoantigen vaccination, which might help eliminate distant, untreated tumours.
• These characteristics suggest that oncolytic viruses could be valuable in combination therapies for improving cancer immunotherapy.

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