Cancer Therapy Goes Viral

Viral Vector Platforms Come of Age

Abstract

Background. Since the advent of viral vector gene therapy in 1990s, cancer treatment with viruses promised to revolutionize the field of oncology. Notably, viral particles offer a unique combination of efficient gene delivery and engagement of the immune system. Despite the early potential, virus-based cancer treatments are only recently making a big impact, most prominently as gene delivery devices in approved CAR-T cell therapies, cancer vaccines and targeted oncolytic therapeutics. To reach this broad spectrum of applications, a number of challenges have been overcome – from our understanding of cancer biology to viral particle design, manufacture and engineering. Here, we take an overview of viral vector usage in cancer therapy and discuss the latest advancements. We also consider particle production platforms that enable mainstream adoption of viral vectors for tumour gene therapy.

Conclusions. Virus particles offer numerous opportunities in cancer therapy. Recent advances in vector production platforms open new avenues in safe and efficient viral therapeutic strategies, streamlining the transition from lab bench to bedside. As viral vectors come of age, they are becoming a standard tool in the cancer treatment arsenal.