====== Oncolytic ======

The term **oncolytic** refers to the ability to selectively destroy cancer cells.

It is most commonly used in the context of:

=== Oncolytic viruses ===
Oncolytic viruses are viruses that are engineered or naturally selected to:
  * Infect and replicate within **tumor cells**
  * Cause **lysis** (destruction) of those cells
  * **Spare normal, healthy cells** as much as possible

Examples include:
  * **Talimogene laherparepvec (T-VEC)** – a modified herpes simplex virus, approved for melanoma
  * **Reovirus**, **adenovirus**, **vaccinia**, and **measles virus** – under clinical investigation for various cancers

=== Oncolytic therapy ===
This refers to therapeutic approaches that use oncolytic viruses to:
  * Directly kill cancer cells
  * Stimulate the immune system to recognize and attack tumors
  * Be combined with other treatments such as immunotherapy or chemotherapy

=== Advantages ===
  * **Targeted tumor destruction**
  * **Immune activation**
  * **Synergistic with existing treatments**

Oncolytic virotherapy is an emerging and promising area of cancer treatment, especially in clinical research and personalized medicine.