Talimogene Laherparepvec for Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer

Talimogene laherparepvec (T-VEC) is a local immunotherapy that uses a genetically modified virus injected directly into skin cancer lesions. It works by destroying cancer cells and stimulating the immune system to attack tumors. While FDA-approved for advanced melanoma, T-VEC is being studied in nonmelanoma skin cancers (NMSC) such as Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Early reports show durable complete responses in some MCC patients and promising results in SCC, with all participants in a small phase II trial achieving complete response. Side effects are usually mild and flu-like, with possible injection-site ulceration. T-VEC is not suitable for patients with weakened immune systems, active infections, or organ transplants. Although research is still limited, T-VEC represents an emerging treatment option with potential to expand the role of immunotherapy in NMSC.

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