Essential Questions to ask if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Mesothelioma ***IMPORTANT***

Oncolytic Virus Therapy

Posted on: October 19, 2023 *Updated on: May 27, 2024

Oncolytic virus therapy has shown promise in cancer treatment, including for mesothelioma, a type of cancer that primarily affects the lining of the lungs and the abdominal cavity. Oncolytic viruses are designed to specifically target and kill cancer cells while leaving normal cells largely unaffected. ONCOS-102 is one example of such a treatment and is based on an adenovirus, which is a type of virus commonly responsible for respiratory illnesses.

The “multimodal” nature of ONCOS-102 refers to its dual approach to treating mesothelioma:

  1. Oncolytic Activity: The oncolytic virus itself targets cancer cells and causes them to lyse, or break up. This direct attack on the cancer cells can limit tumor growth and may reduce the overall tumor mass.
  2. Immunomodulatory Activity: One of the unique features of some oncolytic viruses, including ONCOS-102, is their ability to stimulate the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. When the virus breaks up the cancer cells, it releases antigens that the immune system can recognize. This not only enhances the immune system’s ability to attack the cancer but can also make the cancer cells more susceptible to other forms of immunotherapy.

The potential advantages of oncolytic virus therapy like ONCOS-102 include:

  1. Specificity: The treatment is designed to specifically target cancer cells, reducing the risk of damage to healthy tissue.
  2. Synergy with Other Therapies: Because of its immunomodulatory effects, oncolytic virus therapy can be combined with other forms of immunotherapy or traditional chemotherapy for a more effective treatment.
  3. Lower Side-Effect Profile: As they generally target only cancer cells, oncolytic viruses often have fewer side effects compared to traditional chemotherapy drugs, which can damage both cancerous and healthy cells.

However, it’s crucial to note that while oncolytic virus therapy has shown promise in early trials and some later-stage trials, it is still an area of active research. The long-term effectiveness and potential complications of such treatments are not yet fully understood. Always consult healthcare professionals for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment options for mesothelioma or any other medical condition.