Phase I Pilot Study of RP1 in Primary Melanoma to Reduce the Risk of Sentinel Lymph Node Metastasis
This early-phase study will examine Vusolimogene Oderparepvec, a genetically modified oncolytic viral strain of the herpes simplex type 1 (HSV-1) virus, with potential oncolytic, immunostimulating and antineoplastic activities. Upon administration, vusolimogene oderparepvec specifically targets, infects and replicates in tumor cells and does not infect healthy cells. This results in tumor cell lysis and the release of virus particles which infect and replicate within nearby tumor cells, resulting in tumor cel death. The immune system is activated by the released tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) from the tumor cells creating an anti-tumor immune response against the tumor cells, thereby further killing the tumor cells. The virus itself also elicits a tumor-specific systemic immune and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) response, thereby killing nearby non-infected tumor cells.
• Be willing and able to provide written informed consent for the trial.
• Be ≥ 18 years of age on day of signing informed consent.
• Have a diagnosis of pT3b, T4a or T4b melanoma on biopsy. Patients must have grossly visible residual tumor, or a positive deep or lateral margin on initial biopsy. Patients with uveal melanoma are not eligible.
• Females of childbearing potential must have a negative beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) test with a minimum sensitivity of 25 IU/L or equivalent units of β-hCG during screening, before the first dose, and a negative urine pregnancy test on days of treatment (Day 1, 15 and 21). For serum and urine pregnancy tests and instructions (see Section 12.2).
• Female patients of reproductive potential must agree to avoid becoming pregnant and adhere to a highly effective contraception method until 90 days after last dose of RP1 alone. For a definition of highly effective contraceptive methods and instructions of patients and partners (see Section 12.2).
• Male patients of reproductive potential must agree to avoid impregnating a partner and adhere to a highly effective contraception method until 90 days after last dose of RP1 study agent and refrain from donating sperm during this period. For a definition of highly effective contraceptive methods and instructions of patients and partners (see Section 12.2).
• Note: Abstinence is acceptable if this is the usual lifestyle and preferred contraception for the subject.
• Have a performance status of 0 or 1 on the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) Performance Scale.
• Demonstrate adequate organ function. All screening labs should be performed within 30 days of treatment initiation. Baseline labs may be used as screening labs.