Some viruses have been shown to replicate selectively and readily in cancer cells; their effects may be tumoricidal and can be enhanced by genetic modification. The ability to spread within a tumor and their cytolytic action should enable these agents to destroy malignant growth without undue toxicity in healthy tissues. Several viruses have been engineered to achieve this goal; most have been tested in animal models and some sporadically in cancer patients. Viruses can serve either as vectors for the targeted introduction of certain DNA molecules into cells or as direct oncolytic agents. The topic has been recently reviewed at the 4th Ann. Clinical Conference: Drug Discovery and Clinical Evaluation in the 21st Century, January 16-18, 2002, in Houston, TX.
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