Cold Sore Virus Used to Treat Melanoma

Scientists have successfully treated some cases of melanoma with a genetically engineered version of Herpes Simplex 1, which is known for causing cold sores and some cases of genital herpes, according to a study published Tuesday in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. The modified version, Talimogene Laherparepvec, or T-Vec, could extend survival by years, but only for some melanoma patients. The study involved 436 patients who had inoperable malignant melanoma, with T-Vec treatment showing results in 16.3 percent of patients at the six-month mark compared to 2.1 percent taking the control therapy. T-Vec is in a Phase III clinical trial and is awaiting FDA approval.