Can a tweaked herpes virus help fight cancer? early trial underway

NCT ID NCT04735978

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This early-stage trial is testing a genetically modified herpes virus called RP3, alone or combined with the immunotherapy drug nivolumab, in 123 adults with advanced solid tumors that have not responded to standard treatments. The main goals are to check safety and find the best dose. Participants must have a tumor that can be measured and agree to biopsies.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

RP3 (a genetically modified herpes simplex virus) and nivolumab (an immunotherapy drug)

What this could lead to

If it works, this could point toward a new treatment option for people with advanced solid tumors who have run out of standard therapies.

What could go wrong

This is a very early Phase 1 trial focused on safety and dosing, not yet on effectiveness. The virus and drug combination may cause side effects or fail to shrink tumors.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

neoplasm

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Churchill Hospital

    Oxford, OX3 9DU, United Kingdom

  • Hospital Clinic Barcelona

    Barcelona, 08036, Spain

  • Hospital Clinico Universitario de Valencia

    Valencia, 46010, Spain

  • Laboratoire de Recherche Translationnelle en Immunotherapie (LRTI), Gustave Roussy

    Villejuif, 94805, France

  • MD Anderson Cancer Center

    Houston, Texas, 77030, United States

  • START Madrid CIO Clara Campal, Hospital Universitario HM Sanchinarro Unidad de Ensayos Fase I Panta 3

    Madrid, 28050, Spain

  • The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Foundation Trust

    Bebington, Merseyside, CH63 4JY, United Kingdom

  • The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust

    London, SW3 6JJ, United Kingdom

  • UPMC Hillman Cancer Center

    Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15232, United States

  • University General Hospital Attikon

    Athens, 12462, Greece

  • University of Athens

    Athens, 11527, Greece

  • University of Iowa

    Iowa City, Iowa, 52242, United States

  • Vall d'Hebron Hospital Hospital Universitario Vall d´Hebron (Vall d'Hebron University Hospital)

    Barcelona, 08035, Spain