The burgeoning field of Oncolytic Virotherapy (OV) is revolutionizing cancer treatment. U.S. researchers have recently taken a promising new approach to this treatment method, increasing efficacy and potentially saving more lives.
Exploring the Landscape of Oncolytic Virotherapy
Born out of the need for improved cancer therapies that spare healthy tissues while eliminating cancer cells, Oncolytic Virotherapy has become an active area of research. This strategy employs oncolytic viruses, which selectively target and kill cancer cells, leaving healthy cells untouched. It goes beyond simple cell destruction; the therapy also stimulates an antitumor immune response, primarily featuring immune cells like Natural Killer (NK) cells.
Despite significant strides in OV over recent years, the therapy has some drawbacks. For instance, these NK cells occasionally restrict the oncolytic viruses, limiting their effectiveness. Also, current OV methods struggle with weak therapeutic activity and lack efficient systemic delivery mechanisms.
A Fresh Approach to Oncolytic Virotherapy
Scientists are now taking a different tack to address these challenges. Their new strategy involves deleting a specific gene region, thus activating a signaling pathway that allows the virus to replicate in normal cells. This tactic gave rise to FusOn-H2, a new oncolytic virus derived from the Herpes simplex 2 virus (HSV-2), commonly associated with genital herpes. To boost the virotherapy’s potency, researchers equip FusOn-H2 with a chimeric NK engager, bridging the gap between NK cells and tumor cells.
Understanding Cancer: Causes, Types, and Statistics
Cancer—a collective term for diseases characterized by abnormal cells growing uncontrollably and invading or spreading to other body parts—remains a significant global health challenge. Different types of cancer prevalent among men include lung, prostate, colorectal, stomach, and liver cancer. In contrast, breast, colorectal, lung, cervical, and thyroid cancers are common among women.
Cancer continues to be a leading cause of adult illness and death due to chronic and Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) worldwide, including India. As per World Health Organisation (WHO) data, it is the second leading cause of death globally. In 2018 alone, the global cancer cases stood at approximately 18 million, with 1.5 million reported in India.
Prevention and Treatment of Cancer
Between 30% to 50% of cancer deaths are preventable by modifying or avoiding risk factors such as tobacco use, alcohol consumption, unhealthy diets, exposure to ultraviolet radiation, pollution, and chronic infections. Current treatment options for cancer range from surgery, cancer medications, radiotherapy — used alone or in combination — to palliative care focusing on improving patients’ and their families’ quality of life.
Related Cancer Initiatives
In an attempt to curb cancer prevalence, several initiatives are in place. These include the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Stroke, the National Cancer Grid, the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority, the International Agency for Research on Cancer, and the National Cancer Awareness Day.
