ONCOLYTIC viral therapy may offer new hope for patients with nonmelanoma skin cancers and cutaneous lymphomas, according to a new systematic review of published and ongoing research. With rising incidence and growing healthcare burden in the U.S., these difficult-to-treat skin cancers are spurring interest in alternative immunotherapies.
The review assessed 11 published studies and 14 ongoing clinical trials focused on oncolytic viruses (OVs), which are designed to selectively infect and destroy cancer cells. Among 20 patients across studies, including cases of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), cutaneous T cell lymphoma (CTCL), and basal cell carcinoma, early findings were encouraging.
Talimogene laherparepvec (T-VEC), a genetically modified herpes simplex virus, was the most commonly used OV (73%). Other viruses tested included measles virus, vesicular stomatitis virus, and adenovirus.
The response rates varied by cancer type: 67% of SCC cases (2 of 3 patients) and 85% of MCC cases (6 of 7 patients) achieved a complete response. However, response in CTCL was more limited, with only 11% (1 of 9) reaching complete remission.
Side effects were typically mild, with flu-like symptoms reported in 25% of cases. Despite promising signals, researchers note significant limitations in data, including small sample sizes and heterogeneity across trials.
In addition to published data, 14 unpublished clinical trials are exploring OV monotherapy, combination with existing immunotherapies, or comparison against immune checkpoint inhibitors. Monotherapy accounts for 43% of these trials.
While still early in development, oncolytic viral therapy could become a key player in the evolving landscape of skin cancer treatment. More robust trials are needed to determine their role in standard care, particularly in complex cases like cutaneous lymphoma.
With innovative strategies like these gaining traction, the next decade may see viruses become not just causes of disease, but potential cures.
Reference: Ong FLL et al. Oncolytic viral therapy for nonmelanoma skin cancer and cutaneous lymphoma – A systematic review. JAAD Int. 2025;20:4-20.
