valganciclovir + PD-1 inhibitor

Valganciclovir + PD-1 inhibitor is an investigational combination therapy being evaluated for the treatment of relapsed and refractory brain tumors, including glioblastoma and gliosarcoma. Valganciclovir is an antiviral prodrug of ganciclovir that targets cytomegalovirus (CMV), which is frequently expressed in glioblastoma cells. By inhibiting CMV replication, valganciclovir may reduce tumor cell proliferation and modulate the tumor microenvironment. PD-1 inhibitors are monoclonal antibodies that block the Programmed Cell Death Protein 1 receptor on T cells, preventing tumor-mediated immune suppression and enhancing the anti-tumor immune response. The combination aims to provide a synergistic effect by directly targeting viral-associated tumor mechanisms and boosting systemic immunity against the malignancy. This regimen is notably being studied by Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine.

Brand names

ValcyteTuoyi

Other names

valganciclovir + PD-1 inhibitorvalganciclovir + toripalimabVGCV + toripalimabvalganciclovir and toripalimab