Abstract
Purpose
This review aims to address the therapeutic potential of new generation of oncolytic viruses (OVs) for liver cancer with the focus on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).Methods
We evaluate the therapeutic status of oncolytic virus therapy (OVT) for liver cancer, addresses the research question of how different OVs perform in treating the malignancy, and and analyze the challenges remain in their clinical treatment based on the synthesis of both preclinical and clinical studies investigating various OVs, including Herpes simplex virus (HSV), Adenovirus (AdV), Vaccinia virus (VV), Coxsackievirus (COX), and Newcastle disease virus (NDV).Results
OVs selectively infect and lyse tumor cells, stimulating anti-tumor immunity. HSV and VV have demonstrated high efficacy and safety in studies. Genetically engineered AdV and NDV platforms, especially those expressing immune checkpoint inhibitors or cytokines, show promising anti-tumor activity. Advances in viral engineering and delivery systems have improved tumor selectivity and immune activation. Key challenges identified include host antiviral immunity, delivery efficiency, and optimal patient selection.Conclusion
OVT represents a promising immunotherapeutic strategy for liver cancer. While significant progress has been made in both efficacy and safety through genetic modification, ongoing innovation in viral engineering, combination therapies.