Targeting strategies of adenovirus-mediated gene therapy and virotherapy for prostate cancer

Prostate cancer (PCa) poses a high risk to older men and it is the second most common type of male malignant tumor in western developed countries. Additionally, there is a lack of effective therapies for PCa at advanced stages. Novel treatment strategies such as adenovirus‑mediated gene therapy and virotherapy involve the expression of a specific therapeutic gene to induce death in cancer cells, however, wild‑type adenoviruses are also able to infect normal human cells, which leads to undesirable toxicity. Various PCa‑targeting strategies in adenovirus‑mediated therapy have been developed to improve tumor‑targeting effects and human safety. The present review summarizes the relevant knowledge regarding available adenoviruses and PCa‑targeting strategies. In addition, future directions in this area are also discussed. In conclusion, although they remain in the early stages of basic research, adenovirus‑mediated gene therapy and virotherapy are expected to become important therapies for tumors in the future due to their potential targeting strategies.