Oncolytic viruses are a type of virus that selectively infect and kill cancer cells while leaving healthy cells unharmed. They have emerged as a promising approach for cancer treatment, as they can directly target and destroy tumors without causing the harmful side effects often associated with traditional cancer therapies such as chemotherapy and radiation. Oncolytic viruses work by infecting cancer cells, replicating within them, and eventually causing them to burst and die. In addition to directly killing cancer cells, oncolytic viruses can also stimulate the immune system to recognize and attack the tumor, leading to a more robust and effective anti-tumor response. Research in this area is ongoing, with scientists exploring different types of oncolytic viruses, optimizing their targeting and efficacy, and developing combination therapies to enhance their anti-cancer effects.