onkolüütilised

Onkolüütilised refers to a type of oncolytic virus, which are viruses that preferentially infect and lyse, or burst, cancer cells. Unlike normal cells, cancer cells often have defects in their antiviral defense mechanisms, making them more susceptible to viral infection and replication. When an oncolytic virus infects a cancer cell, it replicates within the cell, eventually causing it to rupture and die. This process releases new virus particles that can then go on to infect other cancer cells.

The concept of using viruses to treat cancer has been observed for decades, with spontaneous remissions in cancer patients following viral infections being reported. Modern oncolytic virotherapy research focuses on genetically engineering viruses to enhance their tumor-targeting capabilities and their ability to stimulate an anti-cancer immune response. These engineered viruses can be designed to carry therapeutic genes that further aid in tumor destruction or to express molecules that attract immune cells to the tumor site.

The administration of oncolytic viruses can be done through various routes, including direct injection into the tumor, intravenous infusion, or intratumoral injection. The goal is to achieve selective replication within cancerous tissues while sparing healthy tissues. Clinical trials are ongoing for various types of cancers, investigating the safety and efficacy of different oncolytic viruses, often in combination with other cancer therapies like immunotherapy or chemotherapy. While still an evolving field, oncolytic virotherapy holds promise as a novel approach to cancer treatment.