The 16th Annual International Oncolytic Virotherapy Conference (IOVC) in Rotterdam: For the dreamers and doers of oncolytic virotherapy

From October 27-30 2024, the 16th International Oncolytic Virotherapy Conference (IOVC) was held in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, a city that mirrors the spirit of resilience, conviction, and innovation of researchers in the field of oncolytic viruses. Rotterdam, renowned for its post-war rebuilding with cutting-edge architecture designed for a bright future in mind, provided a fitting reflection that oncolytic virotherapy is at a turning point in its evolution. Hosted at the International Congress Center De Doelen, the event gathered clinicians, scientists, and biotech leaders to showcase the most up-to-date clinical applications, novel viral platforms, targeted mechanisms, and immune-modulating strategies that will push the boundaries of cancer immunotherapy into the next era. We present here an overview of this engaging meeting and offer our own perspectives on where to dream and continue to build.