Advances in oncolytic virus delivery strategies and challenges in clinical translation

Oncolytic viruses (OVs) represent an emerging cancer therapeutic modality with dual functions of direct tumor cell lysis and activation of systemic antitumor immunity. However, the systemic delivery of OVs remains a significant challenge owing to immune barriers and the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Current delivery strategies can be broadly categorized into naked virus delivery and vector-based delivery. Each platform presents distinct advantages in enhancing delivery efficiency and antitumor immune activation, yet both share common challenges, including immune clearance and delivery stability. In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary of the advantages and limitations associated with these different delivery strategies. In summary, combining OVs with advanced delivery systems holds great promise for advancing personalized and precise cancer therapies. Future research should focus on the development of multifunctional platforms, the optimization of combination treatment regimens, and the establishment of regulatory frameworks to accelerate the clinical translation of OV-based therapies.