Virus
oncolytic viruses
Subclass of:
Virus
Definitions related to oncolytic viruses:
  • (oncolytic virus) A type of virus that infects and lyses (breaks down) cancer cells but not normal cells. Oncolytic viruses can occur naturally or can be made in the laboratory by changing other viruses. Certain oncolytic viruses are being studied in the treatment of cancer. They may make it easier to kill tumor cells with chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
    NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms
    U.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
  • (oncolytic virus) Manipulated or engineered viruses having oncolytic properties to selectively replicate in and kill targeted cancer cells, leaving normal cells unharmed.
    NCI Thesaurus
    U.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
  • Tumor-selective, replication competent VIRUSES that have antineoplastic effects. This is achieved by producing cytotoxicity-enhancing proteins and/or eliciting an antitumor immune response. They are genetically engineered so that they can replicate in CANCER cells but not in normal cells, and are used in ONCOLYTIC VIROTHERAPY.
    NLM Medical Subject Headings
    U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2021
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This content should not be used in place of medically-reviewed decision support reference material or professional medical advice. Some terms may have alternate or updated definitions not reflected in this set. The definitions on this page should not be considered complete or up to date.