tavokinogene telseplasmid + pembrolizumab

**Tavokinogene telseplasmid + pembrolizumab** is an investigational combination therapy for advanced melanoma and is being studied in other cancers. Tavokinogene telseplasmid is a DNA plasmid encoding human interleukin-12 (IL-12), delivered intratumorally by electroporation, aiming to induce localized IL-12 expression and thereby enhance anti-tumor immunity[^1][5][8]. Pembrolizumab is an anti–PD-1 monoclonal antibody immunotherapy, targeting the programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) pathway to relieve tumor-induced suppression of T cell activity. This combination is intended to synergistically increase immune infiltration and activation within tumors refractory to single-agent PD-1 blockade. Primary indication in clinical trials is anti–PD-1-refractory unresectable or metastatic melanoma, with ongoing investigations in other cancers such as triple-negative breast cancer and combinations in first-line metastatic settings. The KEYNOTE-695 trial and other studies have shown increased immune cell infiltration and an improved safety profile compared to systemic IL-12 approaches[^1][5][8][10].

Brand names

Keytruda (for pembrolizumab)Tavo (for tavokinogene telseplasmid, investigational agent; not a commercial brand)

Other names

plasmid IL-12 + pembrolizumabpIL-12-EP + pembrolizumab