REPLICATING VIRUSES AS SELECTIVE CANCER THERAPEUTICS

Replication-competent viruses are used as selective cancer therapeutic s and the mechanisms leading to tumor-specific replication and antitum oral efficacy are now becoming apparent. The specific viruses in devel opment include tumor-targeting herpes simplex viruses, autonomous parv oviruses, Newcastle disease viruses and adenovirus. Information is als o available on antiviral immunology and viral defenses against host-me diated immunity. This approach has many potential attributes, in addit ion to potential hurdles that must be overcome.