Current Status and Future Perspectives of Herpes Simplex Virus as Oncolytic Virus in Cancer Chemotherapy-A Review

Herpes simplex virus 1, by gene modification is emerging as an effective therapeutic agent to kill cancer cells. Various types of herpes simplex virus 1(HSV-1) was studied in preclinical and clinical studies. These vectors were found to be safe and effective due to their selective actions. These vectors were studied in glioma, melanoma, breast, prostate, colon, ovarian and pancreatic cancer. One of the advantage of HSV virus is the capacity to incorporate multiple transgenes within the large genome. Insertion of transgenes like antiangiogenic genes and immunostimulatory genes were found to be a positive developments in oncolytic viral therapy. Arming therapeutic genes merits further investigation for successful translation to the clinical practice. Combining oncolyticviro therapy with other modes like chemotherapy and radiotherapy has shown synergic action. This review summarizes the latest advances from preclinical results and clinical trials and the future of modified HSV1 as therapeutic mode in cancer therapy. Key words: HSV, Antiangiogenic, Immunostimulatory, Oncolytic, Virotherapy, Radiotherapy