[Durgical](https://durgical.com/en/) › [DurgiPedia](https://durgical.com/en/durgipedia/) › [Pharmacology](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/) › [Other cancer immunotherapies (cytokines, cell vaccines, oncolytic viruses)](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/other-cancer-immunotherapies/) › Talimogene laherparepvec # Talimogene laherparepvec ## Other cancer immunotherapies (cytokines, cell vaccines, oncolytic viruses)? Other cancer immunotherapies (cytokines, cell vaccines, oncolytic viruses) ## High alert? An error with this medicine can cause serious harm: double checks and protocols are used. ## Pregnancy: contraindicated? Pregnancy is avoided during treatment, because the live virus could harm the fetus; breastfeeding is discussed with the team. A modified herpes simplex virus injected into melanoma lesions: it bursts tumour cells and makes GM-CSF to stir an immune response. Updated Nov 1, 2026 Also called: T-VEC, oncolytic herpes simplex virus type 1 ## Quick facts **Group** [Other cancer immunotherapies (cytokines, cell vaccines, oncolytic viruses)](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/other-cancer-immunotherapies/) **Target** Melanoma cells (infected and lysed by an engineered herpes simplex virus type 1) **Used for** Local treatment **Key effects** Flu-like symptoms · Pain at the injection site **Monitor** Injected lesions for infection · Breathing symptoms **ATC** L01XL02 No doses: the clinician sets them by the current guideline. On this page - The basics Mechanism of action - Indications - Adverse effects - Pharmacokinetics - Memory aid - Clinical What the labels mean - Safety Contraindications - Key interactions - What is monitored - Administration and safety - Pregnancy and breastfeeding - Nursing care - Study Test yourself - Connections Connections ## Mechanism of action T-VEC is a weakened, genetically modified herpes simplex virus type 1 that replicates within tumour cells and carries the gene for GM-CSF. Infected tumour cells break open; tumour antigens released after this virus-induced cell death, together with GM-CSF, can promote an antitumour immune response. - The virus is injected directly into melanoma lesions - It replicates inside tumour cells and bursts them - Tumour antigens and GM-CSF are released - An antitumour immune response is promoted ## Indications - Local treatment of unresectable cutaneous, subcutaneous and nodal melanoma lesions that recur after initial surgery. [Melanoma →](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/melanoma/) ## Adverse effects ### Common - Flu-like symptoms: fever, chills, fatigue - Pain at the injection site - Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea or constipation - Headache, muscle and joint pain - Slow wound healing ### Serious (rare, important) - Herpes virus infection in the patient or in close contacts (for example cold sores or blisters) - Infection at the injection area, and dead tissue or open sores on treated tumours - Loss of skin, hair or eye colour (vitiligo-like changes) - Breathing problems ## Contraindications - Pregnancy (avoided during treatment) - Severely weakened immune system (leukaemia, lymphoma, HIV/AIDS, immunosuppressive treatment): reported beforehand, as the live virus could spread ## Key interactions **Medicines that weaken the immune system (e.g. corticosteroids, chemotherapy)** A weakened immune system raises the risk that the vaccine virus spreads; they are reported before treatment. ## What is monitored - Injected lesions for infection or necrosis - Signs of herpes infection in the patient (and contacts) - Skin and eye colour changes - Breathing symptoms ## Administration and safety - Injected directly into lesions (intralesional) by a trained health professional. - Live virus: preparation, injection and waste follow the centre's biosafety precautions. - The injection sites are covered with a dressing after each treatment. ## Pregnancy and breastfeeding Pregnancy is avoided during treatment, because the live virus could harm the fetus; breastfeeding is discussed with the team. ## Nursing care - Check injected lesions for redness, pus or dead tissue. - Ask about cold sores or blisters in the patient and household contacts. - Teaching: keep sites covered and do not touch or scratch them; household members, especially if pregnant or immunocompromised, avoid contact with the sites, dressings or body fluids; dispose of dressings as instructed. ## Pharmacokinetics **Distribution** Acts locally in and around the injected lesions; the virus can be present at the injection sites and on dressings. ## Memory aid «T-VEC = Two-way VEctor of Cell death»: the virus kills directly (oncolysis) and through immunity (GM-CSF). ## Test yourself Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it. ## What kind of agent is talimogene laherparepvec? An oncolytic, genetically modified herpes simplex virus type 1. ## Which immune-stimulating gene does T-VEC carry? The gene for GM-CSF. ## How is T-VEC given? By injection directly into melanoma lesions (intralesional). ## Why are injection sites kept covered? Because the live virus can spread to other people through contact with the sites or dressings. [Add to my cards (4)](https://durgical.app/estudiar/?add=/en/pharmacology/talimogene-laherparepvec/) [More Pharmacology questions →](https://durgical.com/en/practice/?f=pharmacology) ## What the labels mean **High alert** An error with this medicine can cause serious harm: double checks and protocols are used. **Pregnancy: contraindicated** Pregnancy is avoided during treatment, because the live virus could harm the fetus; breastfeeding is discussed with the team. ## Connections ## Related drugs 2 - [Aldesleukin](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/aldesleukin/) - [Ipilimumab](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/ipilimumab/) ## Related conditions 1 - [Melanoma](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/melanoma/) [← Back to the class: Other cancer immunotherapies (cytokines, cell vaccines, oncolytic viruses)](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/other-cancer-immunotherapies/) Educational content on how drugs work; not a prescribing guide and no substitute for a health professional's advice. No doses are given. Sources: [Talimogene Laherparepvec Injection: MedlinePlus Drug Information](https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a616006.html) (MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine), 2026); [Talimogene Laherparepvec - NCI](https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/drugs/talimogenelaherparepvec) (National Cancer Institute, 2026); [ATCDDD - ATC/DDD Index](https://atcddd.fhi.no/atc_ddd_index/?code=L01XL02) (WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology, 2026). ## **Spotted a mistake?** We are always improving for the community. Tell us what is wrong and our team will review it. Report a mistake Representative model, for educational purposes only. --- Source: https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/talimogene-laherparepvec/ License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/talimogene-laherparepvec/