Combination Immunotherapy Helps Overcome Melanoma Treatment Resistance

Early data from a Phase II clinical trial show a combination of immunotherapy medications can activate a robust immune response and help overcome treatment resistance in patients with refractory melanoma.

The Phase II IGNYTE trial is testing RP1, a genetically modified herpes simplex type 1 virus designed to directly destroy tumors and generate a robust antitumor immune response, in combination with nivolumab, an immunotherapy drug that targets PD-1 protein receptors on tumors to help the body’s own immune system identify and attack cancer cells.

Reviewing data from 140 patients enrolled in the trial, the researchers  found the combination of RP1 and nivolumab led to increased immune response, immune cell infiltration and activation within tumors in patients who had not previously responded to immunotherapy, indicating RP1 helps overcome treatment resistance.

“The trial itself was positive in that approximately one-third of the patients with refractory melanoma will respond to this combination, and responses are durable,” said Trisha Wise-Draper, MD, PhD, professor of medicine in the division of hematology/oncology, section head of medical oncology, co-leader of the Head and Neck Experimental Advancement Laboratory in UC’s College of Medicine, and deputy director of UC’s Office of Clinical Research. “This is a promising combination that is well-tolerated for patients with PD1 refractory melanoma.”