Experimental vaccine combo takes on childhood brain cancer
NCT ID NCT04943848
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This early-phase trial is testing a new vaccine (rHSC-DIPGVax) made from pieces of tumor proteins, given together with two immunotherapy drugs (balstilimab and zalifrelimab), in children with DIPG or diffuse midline glioma. The goal is to see if the combination is safe and tolerable. About 36 children who have completed radiation therapy will take part.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- rHSC-DIPGVax (a vaccine made from tumor protein fragments) combined with two immunotherapy drugs (balstilimab and zalifrelimab)
- What this could lead to
- If this works, it could point toward a new treatment option for children with DIPG and diffuse midline glioma, potentially helping the immune system fight these aggressive brain tumors.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very early, small phase 1 trial focused on safety, so it is unknown if the combination will actually shrink tumors or extend life. The treatments may cause serious immune-related side effects.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago
RECRUITINGChicago, Illinois, 60611, United States
-
Children's Health Orange County (CHOC)
RECRUITINGOrange, California, 92868, United States
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Dana-Farber Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center
RECRUITINGBoston, Massachusetts, 02215, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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- Can engineered immune cells tackle an incurable childhood brain tumor?
- Could a parasite drug fight childhood brain tumors?
- Could an antiparasitic drug boost radiation against childhood brain tumors?
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