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Viral oncolytic immunotherapy in the war on cancer: Infection control considerations

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 February 2019

Elizabeth V. Robilotti ,
Asmita Kumar ,
Michael S. Glickman  and
Mini Kamboj
Elizabeth V. Robilotti*
Affiliation:
Division of Infection Control, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York Infectious Disease Service, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York
Asmita Kumar
Affiliation:
Research and Technology Management, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center New York, New York
Michael S. Glickman
Affiliation:
Infectious Disease Service, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York Immunology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York, New York
Mini Kamboj
Affiliation:
Division of Infection Control, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York Infectious Disease Service, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York
*
Author for correspondence: Elizabeth V. Robilotti, Email: robilote@mskcc.org
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Abstract

Oncolytic viral immunotherapy is an emerging treatment modality for cancer that exploits in vivo replication and other viral properties to enhance immune killing of malignant cells. The potential for horizontal transmission of native or engineered oncolytic viruses creates several unique infection control challenges. In 2015, talimogene laherparepvec (TVEC) became the first agent in this class to gain FDA approval for treatment of melanoma, and several others are being developed. Although some data on the transmissibility of TVEC are available from clinical studies, the aftermarket or real-world experience remains limited. We conducted a PUBMED-based search of the medical literature focusing on the safety and risk of TVEC transmission to close contacts including healthcare workers. The findings are summarized in this review and are intended to provide infection preventionists with practical guidance on handling issues related to administration and care of patients receiving TVEC. Additionally, we describe the current mechanism for evaluating the risk related to similar new agents entering clinical trials at our institution. Development of standarized approaches for the safe administration and precautions for ongoing care, especially in immunocompromised patients, are essential to support the broad adoption of this novel therapy.

Type
Review
Information
Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology , Volume 40 , Issue 3 , March 2019 , pp. 350 - 354
Copyright
© 2019 by The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America. All rights reserved. 

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