Title:Oncolytic Virotherapy for Breast Cancer Treatment
Volume: 18
Issue: 4
Author(s): Samia M. O`Bryan and J. Michael Mathis*
Affiliation:
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA,United States
Keywords:
Breast cancer, Clinical trials, Oncolytic, Preclinical, Vectors, Virotherapy, Viruses.
Abstract: Breast cancer continues to be a leading cause of mortality among women. While at an early
stage, localized breast cancer is easily treated; however, advanced stages of disease continue to carry a
high mortality rate. The discrepancy in treatment success highlights that current treatments are insufficient
to treat advanced-stage breast cancer. As new and improved treatments have been sought, one
therapeutic approach has gained considerable attention. Oncolytic viruses are uniquely capable of targeting
cancer cells through intrinsic or engineered means. They come in many forms, mainly from
four major virus groups as defined by the Baltimore classification system. These vectors can target
and kill cancer cells, and even stimulate immunotherapeutic effects in patients. This review discusses
not only individual oncolytic viruses pursued in the context of breast cancer treatment but also the
emergence of combination therapies with current or new therapies, which has become a particularly
promising strategy for treatment of breast cancer. Overall, oncolytic virotherapy is a promising strategy
for increased treatment efficacy for advanced breast cancer and consequently provides a unique
platform for personalized treatments in patients.