Infecting tumors: the war on cancer goes viral

In 10 seconds? Scientists are making advancements in increasing the potential of an emerging anti-cancer therapy, the use of 'oncolytic viruses'. A 2021 review paper details how the potential of such viruses can be increased to attack tumors.

What’s happening? According to the World Health Organization, cancer was responsible for nearly 10 million deaths in 2020. While our understanding of what happens with cancer on the cellular level has improved, effective treatments that can specifically target cancer cells continue to lag behind. Scientists have been turning to humanity's ancient foe, the virus, to develop a novel treatment for cancer with less side effects. So-called ‘oncolytic viruses’ are being engineered to improve their cancer-targeting potential.