RP3 + nivolumab

RP3 + nivolumab is an **investigational combination immunotherapy** made up of two agents: RP3, a genetically engineered oncolytic herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) designed to express anti-CTLA-4 antibody, CD40 ligand, and 4-1BBL, and nivolumab, a monoclonal antibody immune checkpoint inhibitor targeting the PD-1 receptor. RP3 is administered intratumorally to directly kill cancer cells and stimulate a systemic anti-tumor immune response. Nivolumab is systemically administered and blocks the programmed death-1 (PD-1) pathway, preventing tumor cells from suppressing T-cell responses. This combination aims to both lyse tumor cells locally and drive a robust, systemic immune response against cancer. It is being evaluated primarily for advanced, inoperable squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN), both in locally advanced and recurrent/metastatic settings, with or without chemoradiation or chemotherapy[1][3][5][6][7].