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Conditionally replicating viruses in cancer therapy

Gene Therapy volume 10, pages 712–715 (2003)Cite this article

Conditionally replicating viruses (CRVs) offer the promise of a powerful weapon in our clinical arsenal against cancer. 1,2 Such viruses are designed to be capable of selectively replicating in tumour cells, leading to their destruction, while sparing normal cells. Perhaps most appealing is their inherent potential for further in vivo amplification of tumour-selective virus and spread through tumours. In the ideal situation, they will be both self-propagating and self-limiting. However, in reality, the current generation of CRVs in the clinic may have only limited potency against tumours.

Superseding generations of CRVs have been designed with increased efficacy in mind but these, in turn, heighten concerns over safety. Minimizing the possibility of unchecked CRV spread in patients or the environment should be an ultimate safety goal.

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Acknowledgements

I thank Peter Harris, Chris Wrighton, David Kirn, William Wold, Richard Vile, Moira Brown, Martin Wisher, Norman Nevin, David Harrison, Alex Markham, Martin Gore, Terry Hamblin, Andrew Lever, Ian Hart, James Neil, Lawrence Young, Nick James, Peter Searle, Vivian Maunter, Paul Logan, Anthony Meager, Jayne Spink, Daniel Gooch and Margaret Straughan for their contributions to this forum and article.

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  1. Department of Health, Gene Therapy Advisory Committee, London, UK

    J B Connolly

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Connolly, J. Conditionally replicating viruses in cancer therapy. Gene Ther 10, 712–715 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.gt.3301898

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