Genetically Modified Herpes Virus Shows Promise Against Advanced Melanoma
LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CALIFORNIA, JUL 08 – The engineered herpes virus RP1 combined with nivolumab caused tumor shrinkage or disappearance in one-third of advanced melanoma patients in phase 1-2 trials, FDA review pending.
- Earlier this month, a clinical trial showed RP1 combined with nivolumab shrank tumors in one-third of advanced melanoma patients, with nearly one-sixth experiencing complete disappearance.
- Driven by resistance, 140 patients with advanced melanoma had limited treatments and only a few years' survival, highlighting the urgent unmet need.
- Published phase 1-2 data show RP1 combined with nivolumab shrinks tumors in one-third of advanced melanoma patients, with experts highlighting its potential to target cancer beyond injected sites.
- Following the phase 1-2 success, the FDA granted priority review in January 2025, with a decision due by month’s end, and the phase 3 IGNYTE-3 trial now open.
- Beyond injected tumors, experts predict RP1 will see broader use than T-VEC, potentially transforming oncolytic virus therapy for hard-to-treat cancers.
12 Articles
12 Articles
Genetically modified herpes virus shows promise against advanced melanoma
The herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), which affects almost two-thirds of the world's population and is generally associated with oral herpes, may cause painful cold sores or fever blisters around the mouth.


Cancer-fighting herpes virus shown to be an effective treatment for some advanced melanoma
The herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), which affects almost two‑thirds of the world's population and is generally associated with oral herpes, may cause painful cold sores or fever blisters around the mouth.


Herpes virus could soon be approved to treat severe skin cancer
A cancer-killing virus could soon be approved for use after shrinking tumours in a third of people with late-stage melanoma
Akt Isoform Specificity Drives Intrinsic Immune Regulation During HSV-1 Infection
Researchers provided insights into how cells navigate the balance between survival and immune defense during herpes simplex virus 1 infection, offering conceptual advancements that may extend to other viral infections. [Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America] Full Article
Treatment of cancer with a virus? This may be an unexpected form, but according to a new study has promising results. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology showed that the virus of herpes when genetically modified can be the solution in the treatment of cancer, in particular in more advanced cases of melanoma, one of the types of skin cancer. The results of the study were presented by Keck Medicine of the University of Southern C…
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