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A Modified Virus (Talimogene Laherparepvec) in Treating Patients with Locally Advanced Cutaneous Angiosarcoma

Trial Status: administratively complete

This phase II trial studies how well talimogene laherparepvec works in treating patients with cutaneous angiosarcoma that has spread from where it started to nearby tissue or lymph nodes (locally advanced). Talimogene laherparepvec is form of modified herpes simplex virus type-1 (the ‘cold sore’ virus) that can destroy tumor cells while leaving normal cells alone. The virus’ genes are modified in a laboratory so that it produces a protein called human granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and multiplies and grows in tumor cells. Human GM-CSF is normally produced by various cells within the body and is used as a medicine to treat patients with white blood cell counts that are too low. This modified herpes simplex virus type-1 is not designed to change any genes, but instead may kill tumor cells directly, as well as stimulate the immune system to kill tumor cells throughout the body.