cemiplimab + RP1

**cemiplimab + RP1** is an investigational combination therapy for advanced or metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC). Cemiplimab is a fully human monoclonal antibody that targets the programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) receptor, acting as a checkpoint inhibitor to restore anti-tumor immune responses. RP1 is an oncolytic virus therapy based on herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), genetically engineered to selectively replicate in tumor cells and express the fusogenic protein GALV-GP R- and granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF). The rationale for this combination is that RP1 induces immunogenic tumor cell death and enhances anti-tumor immunity, which can be potentiated by concomitant immune checkpoint blockade with cemiplimab. The combination is being evaluated in a randomized phase 2 trial (NCT04050436) for patients with advanced, locally unresectable, or metastatic CSCC who are not candidates for surgery or radiation[1][2].