Oncolytic Virotherapy for High-Grade Glioma and Current Evidence and Factors to Consider for Incorporation into Clinical Practice

A viral attack on brain tumors: the potential of oncolytic virus therapy

Managing malignant brain tumors remains a significant therapeutic hurdle that necessitates further research to comprehend their treatment potential fully. Oncolytic viruses (OVs) offer many opportunities for predicting and combating tumors through several mechanisms, with both preclinical and clinical studies demonstrating potential. OV therapy has emerged as a potent and effective method with a dual mechanism. Developing innovative and effective strategies for virus transduction, coupled with immune checkpoint inhibitors or chemotherapy drugs, strengthens this new technique. Furthermore, the discovery and creation of new OVs that can seamlessly integrate gene therapy strategies, such as cytotoxic, anti-angiogenic, and immunostimulatory, are promising advancements. This review presents an overview of the latest advancements in OVs transduction for brain cancer, focusing on the safety and effectiveness of G207, G47Δ, M032, rQNestin34.5v.2, C134, DNX-2401, Ad-TD-nsIL12, NSC-CRAd-S-p7, TG6002, and PVSRIPO. These are evaluated in both preclinical and clinical models of various brain tumors.

From glioma gloom to immune bloom: unveiling novel immunotherapeutic paradigms-a review

In tumor therapeutics, the transition from conventional cytotoxic drugs to targeted molecular therapies, such as those targeting receptor tyrosine kinases, has been pivotal. Despite this progress, the clinical outcomes have remained modest, with glioblastoma patients' median survival stagnating at less than 15 months. This underscores the urgent need for more specialized treatment strategies. Our review delves into the progression toward immunomodulation in glioma treatment. We dissect critical discoveries in immunotherapy, such as spotlighting the instrumental role of tumor-associated macrophages, which account for approximately half of the immune cells in the glioma microenvironment, and myeloid-derived suppressor cells. The complex interplay between tumor cells and the immune microenvironment has been explored, revealing novel therapeutic targets. The uniqueness of our review is its exhaustive approach, synthesizing current research to elucidate the intricate roles of various molecules and receptors within the glioma microenvironment. This comprehensive synthesis not only maps the current landscape but also provides a blueprint for refining immunotherapy for glioma, signifying a paradigm shift toward leveraging immune mechanisms for improved patient prognosis.