Dr Manuel Hidalgo discusses results from the phase IIb VIRAGE trial evaluating VCN-01, an oncolytic adenovirus, in combination with gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel for patients with metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

VCN-01 is designed to target and degrade tumour stroma, potentially enhancing the delivery and efficacy of chemotherapy.

In this randomised study of previously untreated patients, the addition of VCN-01 to standard chemotherapy improved outcomes, including longer overall survival and progression-free survival, as well as deeper and more durable tumour responses.

Biomarker analyses also suggested enhanced treatment activity, particularly following the second dose of VCN-01.

The combination demonstrated consistent benefits across patient subgroups and a manageable safety profile.

While these findings highlight VCN-01 as a promising strategy to improve outcomes in metastatic pancreatic cancer, larger phase III studies are needed to confirm these results and establish its role in standard clinical practice.