Exploring Oncolytic Viruses in Melanoma: Pharmacist-Led Approaches for Safe Integration

This activity was originally presented at the 2025 HOPA Annual Conference in Portland, Oregon.

Program Description

Advances in genetic engineering have led to the development of oncolytic viruses (OVs), which are designed to infect and replicate in cancer cells, causing cell death and release of tumor-specific antigens and neoantigens. Misconceptions about viral transmission risks to healthcare professionals can limit patient access and create logistical hurdles. Pharmacists play a crucial role in biohazard safety committees and educating health care providers about the use and safety of OV therapies. Strategies to help mitigate biohazard risks while supporting safe and effective OV administration will be discussed to prepare oncology pharmacists to safely integrate OVs into clinical practice.

Target audience: Oncology pharmacists

Type of activity: Application
Release date: April 17, 2025
Expiration date: October 17, 2026

Time to complete activity: 1.0 hours

Learner level: Advanced
Fee: Free

Educational Objectives

At the completion of this activity, participants will be able to:

• Investigate the unique mechanism of action and safety considerations of herpes simplex virus (HSV)-based oncolytic viruses in the treatment of melanoma
• Determine the risk of viral transmission with HSV-based oncolytic vaccines according to recent clinical evidence
• Examine the latest developments in HSV-based oncolytic immunotherapies for melanoma, focusing on their safety profiles and clinical effectiveness
• Employ best practices and biohazard safety protocols to ensure the safe handling of oncolytic HSV-based immunotherapies, minimizing risks to patients and health care providers

Pharmacy Times Continuing Education™ is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. This activity is approved for 1.0 contact hour (0.10 CEU) under the ACPE universal activity number 0290-0000-25-108-H01-P. The activity is available for CE credit through April 17, 2026.

Instructions for Completing the Activity and Receiving CPE Credit

To receive CPE credit, participants must complete the pretest, review the activity in its entirety, complete the posttest, and complete the online activity evaluation. After successful completion of the online activity evaluation, you can submit your credit to CPE Monitor. You may view your credit within 48 hours at www.mycpemonitor.net. All participants must request credit before the activity expiration date. CE credit will not be issued after this date.

Disclosures

Heidi D. Finnes, PharmD, BCOP, FHOPA, has the following financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose:
Consultant: Replimune

Christina Davis, PharmD, BCOP, has the following financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose:
Consultant: Replimune

Siwen Hu-Lieskovan, MD, PhD, has the following financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose:
Consultant: Amgen, Regeneron, Immunocore, Endeavor BioMedicines, Replimune, Ascendis, Delcath

The following contributors have no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose:

Pharmacy Times Continuing Education^™ Planning Staff—Jim Palatine, RPh, MBA; Maryjo Dixon, RPh, MBA; Amy L. Morris, PharmD, BCOP; Kylie Ferrentino; Susan Pordon; Brianna Winters; Chloe Taccetta; and Rebecca Green have no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose.

At least one anonymous peer reviewer was used as part of content validation and conflict resolution. The peer reviewer has no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose.

Educational Disclaimer
CPE activities are offered solely for educational purposes and do not constitute any form of professional advice or referral. Discussions concerning drugs, dosages, and procedures may reflect the clinical experience of the author(s) or they may be derived from the professional literature or other sources and may suggest uses that are investigational in nature and not approved labeling or indications. Participants are encouraged to refer to primary references or full prescribing information resources.

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