Oncolytic virotherapy - can a poliovirus cure cancer?

Abstract

Introduction Oncolytic virotherapy is a promising form of gene therapy for cancer, using already existing “natural” agents - viruses. Tumor resistance to a lot of drugs after intensive chemotherapy is considered to be the main obstacle in curing cancer patients. Recent studies have shown that oncolytic viruses demonstrate a potential for effective treatment in a variety of cancer patients. Aim The aim of this work is to investigate the possible curative effect of the oncolytic poliovirus (PVS-RIPO) in patients with glioblastoma multiforme. Material and methods PVS-RIPO is a genetically engineered polio virus which is infused directly into the patient`s tumor. Once inside the tumor, PVS-RIPO infects and kills tumor cells. PVS-RIPO consists of a genetically modified non-pathogenic version of the oral poliovirus Sabin type 1. Although this tumor cell killing alone may have tumor-fighting results, the likely key to therapy with PVS-RIPO is its ability to recruit the patients’ immune response against the cancer. Results The researchers have already achieved remarkable results in trials on animals, and may be on the verge of a completely new treatment for people. Currently, Phase I clinical trials of PVS-RIPO against glioblastoma are ongoing. For now this treatment is showing promising results by extending the life expectancy of patients with recurrent glioblastoma multiforme. Conclusion Everything in the world of cancer treatment develops extremely fast these days. The key to better cancer treatment is a better understanding of the disease and the mechanisms that may work to fight it.