A Herpes-Simplex-Virus Derivative Produced Relatively Durable Response in Tumors of Advanced Melanoma

With the pipeline of novel immune checkpoint therapies for melanoma flowing, a new twist on immunotherapy has arrived.

Talimogene laherparepvec (T-VEC) is a herpes-simplex-virus derivative intended to selectively replicate within tumors and produce granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), which enhances immune responses.

In 436 patients with injection-accessible tumors of unresectable advanced melanoma, T-VEC was compared with GM-CSF to see which agent delivered more durable response. Overall survival and overall response rates were also compared. Significantly more T-VEC recipients than GM-CSF recipients achieved a response that endured 6 or more months. In addition, the overall response rate was higher among T-VEC recipients. Median overall survival was 23 months with T-VEC, versus 19 months with GM-CSF. Time to treatment failure was long…

Reviewing Author

Hensin Tsao, MD, PhD

Disclosures

Consultant / advisory board Lubax; WorldCare Clinical

EquityLubax

Grant / Research support NIH; Department of Defense; American Skin Association; Piramal

Editorial boardsBritish Journal of Dermatology; Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology; Journal of Investigative Dermatology

Leadership positions in professional societies American Academy of Dermatology (Chair, Skin Cancer and Melanoma Committee); American Board of Dermatology (Director)