Can a Vaccine Made From a Child’s Immune Cells Work Against Deadly Brain Tumors?
This new treatment targets glioma-associated antigens, which are overexpressed in ependymomas, making them ideal candidates for the immunotherapy researchers previously developed. This cutting-edge research represents the first immunotherapy trial ever for kids with ependymomas.
Project Title: Pilot Study Peptide-based vaccination for recurrent ependymomas
Researcher: Ian F. Pollack, MD
Institution: Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh
Study Type: Phase I clinical trial
Status: Ongoing
Ependymomas are among the most difficult childhood brain tumors to treat. Although some children are cured with surgery and radiation, a significant number of kids relapse and are left with few treatment options. Cancer vaccines are a promising treatment option for children with ependymomas since they are designed to teach a patient’s immune system to recognize and kill cancer cells. Solving Kids’ Cancer supported this pilot study, which uses a combination treatment approach of vaccines and drugs to stimulate a child’s immune system. This new treatment targets glioma-associated antigens, which are overexpressed in ependymomas, making them ideal candidates for the immunotherapy researchers previously developed. This trial represents the first immunotherapy trial ever for kids with ependymomas.
To learn more about this trial, visit clinicaltrials.gov.