image: Figure 2: Risk of bias for in vivo studies (Robins-I tool).
Credit: 2024 de Sena Barbosa et al.
“Despite limited human evidence, it shows potential benefits.”
BUFFALO, NY- October 9, 2024 – A new review was published in Oncotarget's Volume 15 on September 30, 2024, entitled, “Zika virus and brain cancer: Can Zika be an effective treatment for brain cancer? A systematic review.”
As highlighted in the introduction of this review, many studies have identified oncolytic viruses as a promising new class of therapeutic agents for central nervous system (CNS) tumors, particularly glioblastomas (GBM). Zika virus (ZIKV) proteins, specifically targeting certain stem cells, have shown promising results in both in vitro and animal model studies.
In their review, researchers Mateus Gonçalves de Sena Barbosa, Beatriz Rodrigues Messias, Rafael Trindade Tatit, Maycon Cristian Gomes de Paula, Valdecir Boeno Spenazato Júnior, Maria Gabriella Borges Braga, Caio Vinícius Marcolino Santos, Luiza D'Ottaviano Cobos, Vinícius Otávio da Silva, Eberval Gadelha Figueiredo, Nicollas Nunes Rabelo, and Bipin Chaurasia from Atenas University Center, Passos; University of Israelita de Ciências da Saúde Albert Einstein; University of Sapucaí Valley; Atenas University Center, Sete Lagoas; Nove de Julho University, Campus Vergueiro; José do Rosário Vellano University, Alfenas; School of Medicine-University of São Paulo (FMUSP), Hospital das Clínicas/FMUSP; and Neurosurgery Clinic in Birgunj, evaluated the efficacy and safety of using ZIKV for treating CNS tumors. Data from in vivo studies were extracted and assessed for bias using the Robins-I tool, evaluating factors such as selection, performance, detection, attrition, and reporting bias.
The 14 studies demonstrated that ZIKV reduced cell viability, inhibited the growth and proliferation of glioma stem cells (GSCs), and decreased Bcl2 expression, potentially enhancing chemotherapy and radiotherapy effects. ZIKV caused cytopathic effects, induced tumor cell damage, showed oncolytic properties, and selectively killed GSCs safely. This ultimately led to significant tumor remission and improved long-term survival through an enhanced T-cell response.
“Although current evidence suggests ZIKV as a promising treatment for CNS tumors and may improve survival when combined with surgery and radiotherapy.”
Continue reading: DOI: https://doi.org/10.18632/oncotarget.28647
Correspondence to: Bipin Chaurasia - trozexa@gmail.com
Video short: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JINORGdqAO4
Keywords: cancer, Zika, neurotropism, glioblastoma, glioma, brain tumor
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Journal
Oncotarget
Method of Research
Systematic review
Subject of Research
Not applicable
Article Title
Zika virus and brain cancer: Can Zika be an effective treatment for brain cancer? A systematic review
Article Publication Date
30-Sep-2024
COI Statement
All authors confirm that they have no affiliations with or involvement in any organization or entity that has a financial interest (including honoraria, educational grants, participation in speakers’ bureaus, membership, employment, consultancies, stock ownership, or other equity interest, and expert testimony or patent-licensing arrangements), or non-financial interest (such as personal or professional relationships, affiliations, knowledge, or beliefs) in the subject matter or materials discussed in this manuscript.