Joining Forces: The Combined Application of Therapeutic Viruses and Nanomaterials in Cancer Therapy

Molecules. 2023 Nov 20;28(22):7679. doi: 10.3390/molecules28227679.

Abstract

Cancer, on a global scale, presents a monumental challenge to our healthcare systems, posing a significant threat to human health. Despite the considerable progress we have made in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, realizing precision cancer therapy, reducing side effects, and enhancing efficacy remain daunting tasks. Fortunately, the emergence of therapeutic viruses and nanomaterials provides new possibilities for tackling these issues. Therapeutic viruses possess the ability to accurately locate and attack tumor cells, while nanomaterials serve as efficient drug carriers, delivering medication precisely to tumor tissues. The synergy of these two elements has led to a novel approach to cancer treatment-the combination of therapeutic viruses and nanomaterials. This advantageous combination has overcome the limitations associated with the side effects of oncolytic viruses and the insufficient tumoricidal capacity of nanomedicines, enabling the oncolytic viruses to more effectively breach the tumor's immune barrier. It focuses on the lesion site and even allows for real-time monitoring of the distribution of therapeutic viruses and drug release, achieving a synergistic effect. This article comprehensively explores the application of therapeutic viruses and nanomaterials in tumor treatment, dissecting their working mechanisms, and integrating the latest scientific advancements to predict future development trends. This approach, which combines viral therapy with the application of nanomaterials, represents an innovative and more effective treatment strategy, offering new perspectives in the field of tumor therapy.

Keywords: combined application; drug carriers; nanomaterials; therapeutic viruses; tumor treatment.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Drug Carriers / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Nanostructures* / therapeutic use
  • Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Oncolytic Virotherapy*
  • Oncolytic Viruses*

Substances

  • Drug Carriers

Grants and funding

This research was funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 32000293), Guangxi Natural Science Foundation (Grant No. 2020JJA130077 and 2018JJB140423), the University Level Scientific Research Project of Zhejiang Shuren University (Grant No. 2022R064). National-Level College Student Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training Program of Zhejiang Shuren University (Grant No. 202311842052X).