Talimogene laherparepvec (T-VEC), review of a new therapy of cutaneous melanoma with genetically modified oncolytic virus

Abstract

Talimogene laherparepvec (T-VEC) is the first (approved recently in the European Union) oncolytic immunotherapy which demonstrated therapeutic benefit for cutaneous melanoma in a phase III clinical trial. This resulted in a higher that previously obtainable response rate and median overall survival, particularly in untreated patients or those with stage IIIB, IIIC, or IVM1a disease. T-VEC was well tolerated and is currently studied in combined therapy with immunological checkpoints and in a neoadjuvant setting. In the review, current data on its efficacy and safety in melanoma therapy are discussed.