溶瘤病毒（OV）在不伤害正常组织的情况下，选择性地感染肿瘤细胞并在肿瘤细胞内复制，释放免疫分子和肿瘤抗原，实现免疫介导的肿瘤破坏，使其成为最有前途的癌症免疫疗法之一。许多临床研究表明，OV 可以为不同阶段的不同类型肿瘤患者提供临床益处，包括转移性和以前无法治疗的病例。当OV与化疗、放疗、免疫治疗等治疗联合使用时，可以协同增强治疗效果。溶瘤病毒疗法（OVT）的概念于20世纪初提出。随着基因工程的进步，转基因病毒可以进一步增强癌症免疫治疗的功效。近年来，全球OV治疗恶性肿瘤的研究急剧增加。本文综合回顾了相关研究和临床试验的结果，概述了OVT的发展及其在头颈癌临床治疗中的应用。目的是为 OVT 的未来临床和基础研究提供见解。

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.