oncolytische

Oncolytische (Dutch for "oncolytic") describes agents or processes that selectively destroy cancer cells, most commonly referring to oncolytic viruses used in cancer therapy. Oncolytic viruses are engineered or naturally occurring viruses that preferentially infect, replicate within, and lyse tumor cells while sparing normal tissue. Tumor selectivity can arise from inherent viral tropism, exploitation of defects in cancer cell antiviral responses, or genetic modification of the virus.

Mechanisms of action include direct oncolysis, release of tumor antigens after cell lysis, and induction of local and systemic antitumor immune responses. Many oncolytic platforms have been explored, including modified herpes simplex virus, adenovirus, reovirus, and vaccinia virus. Some engineered viruses are armed to express immune-stimulating molecules such as granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) to enhance immune activation.

Clinical development has produced approved products in certain jurisdictions, for example talimogene laherparepvec (T-VEC) for melanoma and H101 in China for specific cancer indications. Oncolytic therapies are investigated as monotherapy and in combination with checkpoint inhibitors, chemotherapy, or radiation. Key challenges include delivery to metastatic sites, host antiviral immunity limiting efficacy, and identifying biomarkers of response. Safety profiles generally feature flu-like symptoms and local injection-site reactions, with serious adverse events uncommon in clinical trials.

Research continues into optimizing viral design, improving systemic delivery, and integrating oncolytic strategies into broader immuno-oncology approaches.