Dictionary of Cancer Terms
View in Spanish: Vector vírico
Viral vector (VY-rul VEK-tur)
A type of virus used in cancer therapy. The virus is changed in the laboratory and cannot cause disease. Viral vectors may produce tumor antigens (proteins found on a tumor cell) to stimulate an antitumor immune response in the body. Viral vectors may also be used to carry genes that can change cancer cells back to normal cells.
Source: National Cancer Institute Dictionary of Cancer Terms, available at www.cancer.gov/dictionary.