Amgen recently announced that its research has revealed new data for Imlygic (talimogene laherparepvec) to treat melanoma and metastatic colorectal cancer, stating that the information will be presented at the European Society for Medical Oncology 2016 Congress.
Interim data gained from this phase II trial will offer additional insight for doctors who want to use Imlygic for a potential combination partner along with a checkpoint inhibitor. In this case, the target group is melanoma cancer patients.
Additionally, these retrospective analyses of key studies looked at the treatment efficacy of using Vectibix (panitumumab) in combination with first and second-line metastatic colorectal cancer treatments. Patients received this treatment at the site of the tumor.
Imlygic, an oncolytic immunotherapy, is originally from HSV-1, or the cold sore virus. The treatment has been altered to replicate inside of tumors. As it replicates, it creates GM-CSF, an immune stimulatory protein found in humans. This will kill tumor cells and create tumor-derived antigens.
"We look forward to sharing our research into the combination of a checkpoint inhibitor and Amgen's oncolytic immunotherapy in metastatic melanoma," Dr. Sean Harper, executive vice president of research and development at Amgen, said. "Additionally, we are excited about our data around tumor site of origin as one of a number of potential factors that may inform treatment decisions for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer."
