Cancer is evolving, and our approach to fighting it is changing as well. In the past, cancer therapies primarily targeted the disease externally through radiation, surgery, and chemotherapy. However, today, innovation is coming from within. Two fast-growing fields—cancer immunology and oncolytic virology—are transforming our understanding and treatment of cancer.
These aren’t just medical revolutions; they are also contributing to a rapidly growing global market. According to BCC Research, the global cancer immunotherapy market is projected to increase from $144.2 billion in 2024 to $247.2 billion by 2029, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.4%.
Although oncolytic virology is currently a smaller segment of the market, it is gaining massive clinical traction due to the success of virus-based therapies and their compatibility with existing immunotherapies. Numerous trials are underway to explore their combined effectiveness in hard-to-treat cancers such as glioblastoma and pancreatic tumors.
What Is Cancer Immunology?
Cancer immunology focuses on studying and developing therapies that enhance the body's immune system to recognize, attack, and eliminate cancer cells. Unlike traditional therapies, immunotherapy uses internal mechanisms such as T-cells, cytokines, and immune checkpoints to fight cancer with precision and long-term memory.
Major Types of Cancer Immunotherapies:
- Checkpoint inhibitors (e.g., PD-1/PD-L1, CTLA-4 blockers)
- CAR-T cell therapies (engineered immune cells)
- Cancer vaccines (to stimulate immune responses)
In contrast to chemotherapy, these treatments aim to leave healthy tissue intact and often work longer and smarter.
Oncolytic Virology: Reprogramming Viruses to Kill Cancer
Oncolytic virology is a field that focuses on using genetically modified viruses to selectively infect, replicate in, and destroy cancer cells. These viruses not only directly kill tumors but also stimulate the immune system to recognize cancer antigens, creating a dual therapeutic effect.
One example is Talimogene laherparepvec (T-VEC), which is already FDA-approved for treating melanoma. Numerous other candidates are currently undergoing clinical trials.
Let’s take a closer look at the innovations fueling the growth of cancer immunology and oncolytic virology.
- Checkpoint Inhibitors Go Mainstream
Checkpoint inhibitors are a fundamental component of cancer immunotherapy. They function by blocking proteins such as PD-1, PD-L1, and CTLA-4, which tumors use to evade detection by the immune system. By reactivating T-cells, these therapies enable them to more effectively target and attack cancer cells.
Company example:
Bristol Myers Squibb is a global leader with its drugs Opdivo (nivolumab) and Yervoy (ipilimumab), both of which are approved for multiple cancers. Merck’s Keytruda (pembrolizumab) has revolutionized treatment for lung, melanoma, and head & neck cancers, and it is currently being tested across more than 30 tumor types.
- Bispecific Antibodies Enhance Immune Targeting
Bispecific antibodies are engineered to bind simultaneously to both a cancer cell and an immune cell, effectively bringing them into close proximity to initiate targeted destruction. This approach offers increased precision and has demonstrated strong results in treating both blood cancers and emerging solid tumor trials.
Company example:
Amgen’s Blincyto was the first bispecific antibody approved by the FDA. Companies such as Regeneron and Genmab are advancing the next wave, which target lung, prostate, and ovarian cancers.
- Combo Therapies Deliver Synergy
Combining oncolytic virology with immunotherapies such as checkpoint inhibitors creates a synergistic effect. The virus kills tumor cells and exposes antigens, while the immunotherapy maintains an active immune response, resulting in stronger and longer-lasting tumor suppression.
Company example:
Replimune is leading the way with trials that combine RP1 (an oncolytic HSV) with nivolumab (a checkpoint inhibitor) for treating non-melanoma skin cancers. Early results indicate better response rates compared to monotherapies.
- Personalized Cancer Vaccines Emerge
Cancer vaccines are being customized based on a patient’s tumor mutation profile. These mRNA-based vaccines train the immune system to recognize neoantigens that are specific to an individual's cancer, allowing for targeted, personalized responses.
Company example:
BioNTech and Moderna, originally known for mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, are pioneering personalized cancer vaccines in solid tumors such as melanoma and colorectal cancer. Their platforms integrate tumor sequencing with rapid vaccine design.
- AI Enhances Therapy Targeting
Artificial intelligence is improving cancer treatment by analyzing genomics, biomarkers, and immune signatures to match patients with the therapies most likely to work. This improves clinical trial design and minimizes resistance.
Company example:
Tempus is utilizing AI and real-world oncology data to recommend immunotherapy regimens. Owkin employs machine learning to predict which tumors are likely to respond to specific checkpoint or viral therapies, thereby accelerating patient selection.
- CAR-T Therapy Moves into Solid Tumors
CAR-T therapies have shown tremendous success in treating blood cancers. Researchers are now adapting these therapies for use against solid tumors by addressing challenges such as the tumor microenvironment and immune suppression.
Company example:
Novartis (Kymriah) and Legend Biotech (Carvykti) are actively developing next-gen CAR-T cell therapies for glioblastoma, pancreatic, and ovarian cancers, utilizing innovative targeting technologies and delivery methods.
- Startups Redefine Viral Therapy Platforms
New biotech startups are developing multi-functional oncolytic viruses that do more than just kill cancer cells; they also modify the tumor microenvironment and express immune-modulating genes to enhance the therapeutic effect.
Company example:
Turnstone Biologics is advancing viral platforms that integrate tumor killing, immune priming, and microenvironment remodeling. Virogin Biotech and Vyriad are developing oncolytic vectors capable of deep tumor penetration and systemic immune activation.
Conclusion
Cancer immunology and oncolytic virology are no longer just emerging fields; they are transforming our understanding and treatment of cancer. By training the immune system to fight back and utilizing viruses to bypass cancer's defenses, these approaches offer new hope where traditional treatments may fail. As science moves forward, these innovative therapies are becoming central to the future of oncology—more targeted, more personal, and more powerful than ever before.
