pairingsPairing
Oncolytic virus + PD-1 blockade
An oncolytic virus blows up tumour cells and inflames the tumour; PD-1 blockade then exploits the inflammation.
RP1 + nivolumab approved August 2026 for PD-1-refractory melanoma (IGNYTE, ORR ~33% with responses in uninjected lesions). T-VEC + pembrolizumab did not improve outcomes in first line (MASTERKEY-265), showing that setting matters.
Rationale
Viral lysis releases antigens and encoded GM-CSF; interferon response upregulates PD-L1, which nivolumab blocks.
Evidence
Accelerated approval in refractory setting; negative in first line for older agent.