Oncology Meets Virology: Exploring Viral Contributions to Cancer Development and Therapy

Viruses contribute to a substantial fraction of human cancers globally, with an estimated 12–15% of all cancer cases being linked to viral infections. This review synthesizes the current understanding of oncogenic viruses, their mechanisms of viral carcinogenesis, and the types of cancers associated with different viral pathogens. We explore the evolving therapeutic landscape, including vaccines, immunotherapies, and oncolytic virotherapy, and discuss the latest advances in clinical trials. The review also examines the challenges of viral cancer treatment, such as immune evasion and resistance to therapies, and looks forward to promising future directions in personalised medicine, advanced viral therapies, and drug discovery. The intersection of virology and oncology offers new opportunities for cancer prevention and treatment that could transform patient outcomes globally.