Stem cell-released oncolytic herpes simplex virus has therapeutic efficacy in brain metastatic melanomas

Abstract

Significance This study provides an insight into stem cell-based oncolytic virus therapies for advanced melanoma tumors that have metastasized into the brain by developing clinically relevant mouse tumor models and testing the fate and efficacy of oncolytic herpes simplex virus-armed mesenchymal stem cells in such models. This study therefore overcomes the hurdles of systemic delivery of oncolytic viruses and provides a clinically applicable therapeutic platform to target melanoma brain metastasis.