Oncolytic adenoviruses: a game changer approach in the battle between cancer and the immune system.

Introduction: Oncolytic adenoviruses are among the most studied oncolytic viruses because of their tumor selectivity, safety, and transgene-delivery capability. With a growing number of different immunotherapies against cancer, the extraordinary immunogenicity of the adenovirus has emerged as a differentiating strength. Enabling T-cell related therapies with oncolytic adenoviruses appears a promising approach due to its inherent ability to elicit responses from the adaptive immune compartment. Areas covered: These viruses have successfully enhanced both adoptive T-cell therapies and immune-checkpoint therapies. Oncolytic viruses induce several effects at the tumor and on the systemic level that help to circumvent current limitations of T-cells and related therapies, such as T-cell trafficking, tumor immune suppressivity and antigen spreading. Expert opinion: Taking into account the multitude of possibilities of treating cancer with immunotherapies, learning to optimize the combinations and administration strategies of these drugs, could lead to durable responses in patients with currently incurable cancers.