Selectively replicating oncolytic adenoviruses as cancer therapeutics

The resurgence of interest in virotherapy over the course of the last decade has led to several promising modalities for the treatment of human cancers. Among these are transcriptionally regulated adenovirus variants that preferentially replicate in and destroy target tumor cells. To date, these oncolytic adenoviruses, such as CG-7060 (Cell Genesys Inc) and CG-7870 (Cell Genesys Inc), have demonstrated good safety profiles and significant antitumor activity. Additionally, synergistic effects have been seen when oncolytic viruses have been used in combination with traditional chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Future clinical trials are needed to further test the utility of the first generation of oncolytic adenoviruses. Much of the upcoming development in this field will revolve around improving the antitumor efficacy of the viruses, modulating host immune responses and maximizing the synergistic effects of oncolytic viruses administered with traditional chemotherapy or radiotherapy.