Oncolytic Viruses in Ovarian Cancer: Where Do We Stand? A Narrative Review

Ovarian cancer (OC) remains the most lethal gynecologic malignancy with limited effective treatment options. Oncolytic viruses (OVs) have emerged as a promising therapeutic approach for cancer treatment, capable of selectively infecting and lysing cancer cells while stimulating anti-tumor immune responses. Preclinical studies have demonstrated significant tumor regression and prolonged survival in OC models using various OVs, such as herpes simplex. Early-phase clinical trials have shown a favorable safety profile, though the impact on patient survival has been modest. Current research focuses on combining OVs with other treatments like immune checkpoint inhibitors to enhance their efficacy. We provide a comprehensive overview of the current understanding and future directions for utilizing OVs in the management of OC.