Oncolytic measles virus strains in the treatment of gliomas.

Background: Recurrent gliomas have a dismal outcome despite use of multimodality treatment including surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Objective: In this article the authors discuss potential applications of oncolytic measles virus strains as novel antitumor agents in the treatment of gliomas. Methods: Important aspects of measles virus development as an anticancer therapeutic agent including engineering, retargeting and combination studies with other therapeutic modalities are discussed. The translational process that led to the first clinical trial of an engineered measles virus derivative in patients with recurrent glioblastoma multiforme is also described. Results/conclusions: Oncolytic measles virus strains hold promise as novel antitumor agents in the treatment of gliomas.