intra tumoral therapies latest developments

Intra-tumoral therapies (ITTs) are emerging as one of the most transformative frontiers in oncology. While systemic treatments such as immune checkpoint inhibitors, targeted therapies, and chemotherapy have reshaped cancer care, they continue to struggle with systemic toxicity, inadequate tumor penetration, and resistance in many solid tumors. ITTs offer a direct solution — delivering potent therapies straight into the tumor microenvironment, achieving high local drug concentration, and sparking robust immune activation with reduced systemic exposure.

The first true validation of ITTs came in 2015 with the approval of IMLYGIC for melanoma, followed by HENSIFY (a radio-enhancing nanoparticle) in Europe and DELYTACT for malignant glioma in Japan. Although commercial uptake remains modest, these approvals have provided confidence for an expanding wave of development.

Today, ITTs form one of the richest innovation pipelines in oncology, spanning:

• Oncolytic viruses engineered to selectively destroy tumor cells and prime systemic immunity
• Immune modulators including cytokines, TLR/STING agonists, and viral mimicry agents
• Radio- and chemo-enhancers improving tumor response and overcoming resistance
• Novel drug-delivery systems like nanoparticles, microparticles, hydrogels, microneedles

Download the full whitepaper to explore all the latest happenings in the intra-tumoral therapeutic segment.