Observational study of talimogene laherparepvec use in the anti-PD-1 era for melanoma in the US (COSMUS-2)

AIM: Talimogene laherparepvec (T-VEC) is an intralesional therapy for unresectable, metastatic melanoma. T-VEC real-world use in the context of anti-PD1-based therapy requires further characterization. MATERIALS & METHODS: A retrospective review of T-VEC use from 1 January 2017 and 31 March 2018 for melanoma patients was conducted at seven US institutions. RESULTS: Among 83 patients, three categories of T-VEC and anti-PD-1 therapy were identified: T-VEC used without anti-PD-1 (n = 29, 35%), T-VEC after anti-PD-1-based therapy (n = 22, 27%) and concurrent T-VEC and anti-PD-1-based therapy (n = 32, 39%). 25% of patients discontinued T-VEC therapy due to no remaining injectable lesions, 37% discontinued T-VEC due to progressive disease. Discontinuation of T-VEC did not differ by anti-PD-1-based therapy use or timing. CONCLUSION: In real-world settings, T-VEC may be used concurrently with or after anti-PD-1-based therapy.