Oncolytic viruses (OVs), without harming normal tissues, selectively infect and replicate within tumor cells, to release immune molecules and tumor antigens, achieving immune-mediated destruction of tumors and making them one of the most promising immunotherapies for cancer. Many clinical studies have demonstrated that OVs can provide clinical benefits for patients with different types of tumors, at various stages, including metastatic and previously untreatable cases. When OVs are used in combination with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, and other treatments, they can synergistically enhance the therapeutic effects. The concept of oncolytic virotherapy (OVT) was proposed in the early 20th century. With advancements in genetic engineering, genetically modified viruses can further enhance the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy. In recent years, global research on OV treatment of malignant tumors has increased dramatically. This article comprehensively reviews the findings from relevant research and clinical trials, providing an overview of the development of OVT and its application in the clinical treatment of head and neck cancer. The aim is to offer insights for future clinical and fundamental research on OVT.

Patient-derived organoids (PDOs) represent a cutting-edge approach in cancer research that holds significant promise for revolutionizing various aspects of oncology. These three-dimensional structures, cultivated from patient tumor samples, faithfully mimic the intricate cellular composition and architecture of the original tumors. Unlike traditional cell cultures, PDOs retain the heterogeneity and complexity of the tumor microenvironment, making them invaluable tools for studying cancer biology, disease progression, and therapeutic responses. Overall, PDOs represent a transformative technology in cancer research, offering unprecedented opportunities to unravel the complexities of the disease and develop more effective personalized treatment strategies. As the field continues to advance, organoid models are poised to play an increasingly prominent role in driving innovation and improving patient care in oncology.

Head and neck cancer, comprising a diverse group of malignancies, presents significant challenges in terms of treatment efficacy and patient outcomes. In recent years, virotherapy has emerged as a novel and promising approach for addressing these challenges. Virotherapy involves the use of genetically modified viruses as therapeutic agents to selectively target and destroy cancer cells while sparing healthy tissues. The primary focus of virotherapy is to exploit the inherent properties of viruses to infect and replicate within cancer cells, triggering immune responses and promoting anti-tumor effects. Notably, oncolytic virotherapy, viral vector-based vaccines, and viral vector-based gene therapy are key branches of virotherapeutic interventions that have demonstrated potential in preclinical and clinical studies.