Oncolytic HSV-1 Virotherapy: Clinical Experience and Opportunities for Progress

Oncolytic virotherapy with mutants derived from Herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1 exhibit significant antitumor effects in preclinical models. Several mutants have now been tested in clinical trials for a variety of cancer types, and all have been found to be safe. While there have been hints of antitumor efficacy with prolonged survival in some cases compared with historical controls, dramatic responses have been elusive. We review the clinical experience published to date and discuss some of the biologic factors that may be limiting for virus infection and spread, as well as new strategies currently under development to enhance antitumor efficacy. Keywords: Herpes simplex virus, oncolytic viruses, tumor microenvironment, angiogenesis, extracellular matrix, cytokines, immune response