Dictionary of Cancer Terms
View in Spanish: Virus oncolítico
Oncolytic virus (ON-koh-LIH-tik VY-rus)
A type of virus that infects and lyses (breaks down) cancer cells but not normal cells. Oncolytic viruses can occur naturally or can be made in the laboratory by changing other viruses. Certain oncolytic viruses are being studied in the treatment of cancer. They may make it easier to kill tumor cells with chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Source: National Cancer Institute Dictionary of Cancer Terms, available at www.cancer.gov/dictionary.