Modulation of the Tumor Microenvironment and Immune Response by Oncolytic Viruses in Breast Cancer Immunotherapy

The rapid advancement of molecular biotechnology has allowed for the development of novel immunotherapies for cancer. Oncolytic viruses represent a new and exciting approach to cancer treatment. They are genetically modified or naturally occurring viruses that alter the tumor microenvironment and synergize with other anticancer therapies. They selectively affect tumors in multiple ways, not only by directly destroying cancer cells but also by triggering the release of tumor antigens and signals that alert the immune system and induce a specific type of cell death that further activates immunity, ultimately leading to cancer cell death. Furthermore, these viruses can be genetically modified to carry therapeutic genes that further enhance their ability to convert immunologically inactive ("cold") tumors into active ("hot") ones, thereby increasing their effectiveness. Several oncolytic viruses are being investigated for their potential to treat breast cancer. These include adenovirus, vaccinia virus, reovirus, and herpes simplex virus type 1. These viruses are often modified to selectively target and destroy tumor cells while minimizing harm to healthy cells. While various engineered oncolytic viruses show promise for treating different cancers with varying levels of success, combining them with standard therapies in clinical trials suggests that this combination approach can significantly improve cancer treatment outcomes.