TYPES OF ONCOLYTIC
VIRUSES USED
Different viruses target different receptors, replicate through different selectivity mechanisms, and have clinical data in different cancers. Which platform matters depends entirely on which cancer.
Major Oncolytic Virus Platforms
Each platform has distinct receptor targeting, selectivity mechanism, and clinical development focus.
| Platform | Key Agent(s) | Receptor / Selectivity | Primary Cancer Targets | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HSV-1 | T-VEC; next-gen (IL-12, anti-PD-1) | ICP34.5/ICP47 deletion; largest transgene capacity | Melanoma (approved), HNSCC, solid tumours | FDA Approved (T-VEC) |
| Adenovirus | DNX-2401; CG0070; ONYX-015 | Rb-deficient cells (DNX-2401); p53-deficient (ONYX-015) | GBM, bladder cancer (intravesical) | Phase II/III |
| Vaccinia | Pexa-Vec; GL-ONC1 | Rapidly dividing cells; TK deletion; IV-deliverable | HCC, solid tumours | Phase I/II (post-PHOCUS redesign) |
| Reovirus | Pelareorep (Reolysin) | Activated Ras signalling (natural selectivity) | KRAS-mutant pancreatic, breast, colorectal | Phase II/III |
| Poliovirus | PVSRIPO | CD155 (overexpressed on GBM + macrophages) | Recurrent GBM | Phase III ongoing |
| Coxsackievirus A21 | CAVATAK | ICAM-1, DAF (overexpressed melanoma, HNSCC) | Melanoma, HNSCC | Phase II |
| Newcastle Disease Virus | NDV strains | Intact interferon deficiency in cancer cells | Melanoma, GBM, HCC | Phase I/II |
Platform-Specific Clinical Significance
The platform biology determines which trials are worth pursuing for which patients.
PVSRIPO for Glioblastoma
CD155 is highly expressed on GBM cells and immunosuppressive macrophages dominating the GBM microenvironment. Phase Ib at Duke: 21% OS at 36 months vs ~4% historical control. OS curve plateau suggests durable benefit in responders. Phase III ongoing.
Pelareorep for KRAS-Mutant Tumours
Naturally lyses cells with activated Ras signalling โ no engineering required. KRAS mutations in >90% of pancreatic cancers. Taxanes upregulate Ras, making tumour cells more susceptible. Pelareorep + paclitaxel combination has specific mechanistic rationale.
CG0070 for Bladder Cancer
Adenovirus delivered intravesically for BCG-unresponsive non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer. BCG is already intravesical โ the infrastructure exists. Targets a patient population with limited approved options after BCG failure.
Vaccinia: IV-Deliverable Platform
Vaccinia partially evades innate immune clearance in the bloodstream, making systemic delivery more feasible than HSV-based constructs. Post-PHOCUS, new programmes combine with nivolumab and target earlier-line HCC patients.
Benefits and Limitations of Platform Diversity
Benefits
- Different biological properties for different cancersPlatform diversity enables cancer-specific optimisation.
- Receptor-based targeting adds specificityCD155 for GBM, ICAM-1 for melanoma/HNSCC, Ras for pancreatic.
- Some platforms enable IV deliveryVaccinia and coxsackievirus can reach visceral disease.
Limitations
- No non-T-VEC platform has FDA approvalAll other platforms are trial-dependent.
- Pexa-Vec Phase III failure in HCCPHOCUS demonstrated that patient selection determines Phase III outcomes.
- Platform complexity increases patient confusion30+ agents make navigating the right option challenging.
Frequently Asked Questions
Platform Questions
How CancerFax Helps
CancerFax is a specialist cancer access and patient-navigation platform. We help patients and families understand their options, organise medical records, coordinate hospital communication, and support cross-border treatment planning where appropriate.
We help collect and organise reports, scans, pathology, biomarker results, and treatment history for structured case review.
We communicate with hospitals or trial teams to assess whether a case may be suitable for further screening.
We support appointment coordination, document submission, translation, and direct communication with international departments.
For international patients, we help with practical coordination โ travel planning, hospital admission guidance, and local support.
If this option is not suitable, we help explore other relevant treatments, clinical trials, or advanced care pathways.
From inquiry through to follow-up, our coordinators provide a single point of contact for the family.
CancerFax does not guarantee treatment access, eligibility, or clinical outcome. Our role is to help patients access accurate information, structured review, and appropriate specialist pathways.
Which Oncolytic Virus Platform Is Relevant for Your Cancer?
Upload your medical reports for a free evaluation. Our team will identify the most relevant oncolytic virus programmes and clinical trials for your specific diagnosis and mutation profile.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified oncologist before making treatment decisions.