A neuroattenuated, replication-restricted, ICP34.5 deleted (RL1 gene)-mutant herpes simplex virus (HSV) type I, constructed from wild-type strain 17, with potential oncolytic activity. Upon intratumoral injection, oncolytic HSV1716 transfects, replicates in, and lyses rapidly dividing cells such as tumor cells. Because the RL1 gene is deleted , HSV1716 is unable to replicate in non-dividing cells.