Table 1.

Properties of the three best-studied families of oncolytic viruses

Virus type	Pros and cons	Clinical trials*
Adenovirus	Pros include constructed wide host-cell range and large genomic capacity. Cons include CAR variability in human cancers and expression on normal cells, preexisting antiviral immunity, hepatic adsorption, toxicity	Completed and ongoing6,55–57
Vaccinia virus	Pros include wide host-cell range, large genomic capacity and established vaccine potential. Cons include potential difficulties with systemic delivery	Completed and ongoing4,60–63
Herpes Simplex Virus	Pros include wide host-cell range, large genomic capacity, neurotropism, ability to evade preexisting antiviral immunity and available antiviral drugs. Cons include hepatic adsorption	Completed and ongoing3,5,65–68

Notes:

^*other viruses in clinical trials include Coxsackie virus (CVA21), measles virus (Edmonston), parvovirus, poliovirus (Sabin), retrovirus.

Abbreviation: CAR, Coxsackie adenovirus receptor.