Retreatment with talimogene laherparepvec for advanced melanoma

Abstract

Aim: Talimogene laherparepvec (T-VEC) is a genetically modified oncolytic herpesvirus approved for the treatment of unresectable, locoregionally advanced and recurrent melanoma. There is little relevant literature in the context of retreatment with T-VEC. Materials & methods: We reviewed four patients aged 71–87 years old with stage IIIB–IV melanoma at treatment who were rechallenged with T-VEC after experiencing recurrence of locoregional disease or prior treatment-limiting toxicity. Results: Cessation of initial treatment was due to one of the following reasons: severe adverse event (one case), mixed response (one case) or complete response (two cases). Three males and one female underwent T-VEC retreatment with a mean of 5.5 injection cycles. Three patients experienced a complete response to retreatment, while one experienced disease progression. Conclusion: Intralesional T-VEC may be effective and well-tolerated in patients who have completed prior T-VEC therapy.