ASCO 2024 | RP2: engineered oncolytic herpes simplex virus for durable responses in metastatic uveal melanoma

Joseph Sacco, PhD, MBChB, The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Foundation Trust, Birkenhead, UK, discusses RP2, an oncolytic herpes simplex virus engineered to enhance immunogenicity and promote durable responses in metastatic uveal melanoma (MUM). RP2 expresses GM-CSF, a fusogenic protein (GALV), and an anti-CTLA-4-like antibody to stimulate immunogenic cell death and systemic immune response while minimizing distant side effects. The Phase II study (NCT04336241) combined RP2 with nivolumab to potentially increase response rates and longevity. The trial showed meaningful antitumor activity and a favorable safety profile, with biomarkers indicating increased PD-L1 expression and CD8+ T-cell infiltration in tumors. These results support the potential of RP2, alone or with nivolumab, as a promising therapy for MUM, leading to further planned clinical trials. This interview took place during the 2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Meeting in Chicago, IL.

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