Will a Vaccine Made of Stem Cells Be Effective Against a Deadly Brain Tumor in Children?
Solving Kids’ Cancer identified a novel trial using a cancer vaccine modeled after one used in adults for a deadly brain tumor called glioblastoma. As part of this trial, the vaccine will be combined with the drug imiquimod, which enhances the response of the immune system to attack and kill cancer cells.
Project Title: Pilot Study of Imiquimod and Tumor Lysate Vaccine Immunotherapy for DIPG in Children and Young Adults
Researcher: Christopher L. Moertel, MD
Institution: University of Minnesota
Study Type: Phase I clinical trial
Status: Completed
Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is a very difficult brain cancer to treat. Located in the brain stem, DIPG cannot be surgically removed, and radiation only delays the tumor growth by a few months at best. Compounded by the inability for most drugs to cross the blood brain barrier, researchers are urgently looking for ways to improve survival among children with this disease. Solving Kids’ Cancer identified a novel trial using a cancer vaccine modeled after one used in adults for a deadly brain tumor called glioblastoma. As part of this trial, the vaccine is combined with the drug imiquimod, which enhances the response of the immune system to attack and kill cancer cells.
To learn more about this trial, visit clinicaltrials.gov.