onkolytických

Onkolytických is a Czech term that translates to "oncolytic" in English. Oncolytic refers to agents, most commonly viruses, that have a selective affinity for and the ability to destroy cancer cells while generally sparing normal cells. These oncolytic agents are being investigated and developed as a novel form of cancer therapy.

The principle behind oncolytic therapy is that cancer cells, due to their abnormal growth and genetic mutations, are often more susceptible to viral infection and replication than healthy cells. Once inside a cancer cell, the oncolytic virus replicates, leading to the bursting (lysis) of the cancer cell and the release of new viral particles that can infect and destroy surrounding cancer cells. Additionally, the cell death caused by the virus can trigger an immune response against the tumor, further aiding in its elimination.

Oncolytic viruses can be naturally occurring or genetically modified to enhance their tumor-targeting capabilities or to carry therapeutic genes that can boost the anti-cancer immune response or directly kill tumor cells. Research in this field has seen significant progress, with several oncolytic viruses entering clinical trials for various types of cancer, including melanoma, glioblastoma, and mesothelioma. While still an evolving area of medicine, oncolytic therapy holds promise as a promising addition to the cancer treatment landscape.