DNA vaccines join forces with keytruda to fight Hard-to-Treat prostate cancer

NCT ID NCT04090528

Ongoing Disease control Sponsor: University of Wisconsin, Madison Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This phase 2 trial tests whether adding a second DNA vaccine to a standard immunotherapy (pembrolizumab) can improve outcomes for men with castration-resistant metastatic prostate cancer. About 60 participants will receive either one or two DNA vaccines along with pembrolizumab for up to two years. The goal is to see if the combination boosts the immune system's ability to attack cancer cells and slows disease progression.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: DNA vaccines (pTVG-HP and pTVG-AR) plus pembrolizumab (Keytruda)
What this could lead to: If successful, this approach could offer a new treatment option that slows or stops the growth of advanced prostate cancer that no longer responds to hormone therapy.
What could go wrong: This is an early phase 2 trial with only 60 participants, so results may not apply to all patients. The vaccines and pembrolizumab can cause immune-related side effects, and the treatment may not work as hoped.

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.

castration-resistant prostate carcinoma Kennedy disease metastatic malignant neoplasm Neoplasm Metastasis prostate cancer

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

CASTRATION-RESISTANT PROSTATE CANCER METASTATIC CANCER PROSTATE CANCER

Contacts and locations

Locations

University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center

Madison, Wisconsin, 53705, United States
Washington University Siteman Cancer Center

St Louis, Missouri, 63110, United States

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