New immunotherapy targets genetic flaw in rare childhood cancers
NCT ID NCT07695311
First seen Jul 10, 2026 · Last updated Sep 01, 2026 · Updated 4 times
Summary
This study tests a new immunotherapy designed to help the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells in people with high-risk Ewing sarcoma or desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT). The treatment targets a specific genetic change found only in these cancer cells, aiming to spare healthy tissue. Participants receive the immunotherapy as a shot, and some also get two additional drugs (botensilimab and balstilimab) through an IV. The trial focuses on safety and whether the treatment can be given as planned.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- EWSR1 immunotherapy (mRNA lipid nanoparticle), botensilimab, balstilimab
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a new treatment option for people with high-risk Ewing sarcoma or DSRCT that targets cancer cells without harming healthy ones.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early-phase trial with only 24 participants, so it's too soon to know if the approach is effective. There may be side effects from the immunotherapy or combination drugs.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Phase 1
The first testing in people. Mainly checks safety and dose, usually in a small group.
- Participants
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About 24 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
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Oct 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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Jul 2030
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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2 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Participants must have histologically confirmed Ewing sarcoma (ES) or desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT) and confirmation of fusion gene rearrangement and breakpoint EWSR1-FLI1, EWSR1-ERG, EWSR1-WT1, who have completed standard of care vincristine + doxorubicin + cyclophosphamide alternating with ifosfamide + etoposide (VDC/IE) and have relapsed or had metastatic disease or are very high-risk disease (Bosma groups C, D, E, and/or very poor necrosis after VDC/IE) are eligible. All EWSR1 immunotherapy monotherapy participants are expected to have completed standard of care VDC/IE chemotherapy with local control and have had end of therapy follow-up for \> 3 months. * Participants must have demonstrated HLA (human leukocyte antigens) fit with an EWSR1 gene fusion peptide contained in the EWSR1 immunotherapy, as determined by HLA-binding analysis of peptides that span the EWSR1 fusion gene breakpoint and analysis of HLA fit to one of the constructs included in EWSR1 immunotherapy. * Participants may have no evidence of active disease, detectable disease (e.g., lung metastases \< 1 cm or bone metastases), or measurable disease by iRECIST (Immune Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors) criteria. The presence of RECIST measurable disease is not required for study entry. * At least 1 line of prior therapy (VDC/IE) is needed. * Age. The first 3 EWSR1 immunotherapy monotherapy and combination therapy participants will be adults ≥ 18 years old. After safety analysis of EWSR1 immunotherapy monotherapy in adults and Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval, adolescents (13-17 years old and 40kg or more are eligible for EWSR1 immunotherapy monotherapy. After safety analysis of EWSR1 immunotherapy monotherapy in adolescents and IRB approval, adolescents will be eligible for combination therapy and children ages 12 years old or younger will be eligible for EWSR1 immunotherapy monotherapy. Only after safety analysis of EWSR1 immunotherapy monotherapy will any group become eligible for combination therapy. * Participants must have adequate organ and marrow function as defined below: * absolute neutrophil count ≥ 1000/microliter (mcL) * platelets ≥ 100,000/mcL * hemoglobin ≥ 8 g/dL (transfusion allowed) * total bilirubin ≤ 1.5 x ULN (upper normal limits) * AST(aspartate aminotransferase) / ALT (alanine aminotransferase) ≤ 2.5 x ULN * creatinine ≤ 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 or ≤ 1.5 mg/mcL if \< 18 yrs * Participants on inhaled corticosteroids or maintenance doses of hydrocortisone are allowed (e.g., 20 mg in morning, 10 mg in evening in adult participants on chronic corticosteroids or history of adrenal insufficiency). * Participants with treated brain metastases are eligible after central nervous system (CNS)-directed therapy (surgery or radiotherapy). If on corticosteroids these participants should be weaned to hydrocortisone (20 mg am/10 mg pm if ≥ 40 kg or if \< 40 kg (20-39.9 kg) hydrocortisone 10 mg am/5 mg pm). * Participants with leptomeningeal disease are eligible. If on corticosteroids these participants should be weaned to hydrocortisone (20 mg am/10mg pm if ≥ 40 kg or if \< 40 kg hydrocortisone 10 mg am/5 mg pm). * Performance Karnofsky or Lansky Scale ≥ 60% * Participants with ES or DSRCT are eligible for planned radiotherapy before or during protocol therapy (e.g., to treat symptomatic lesions or bone metastases that are not "indicator lesions"). * A washout period of 2 weeks from chemotherapy and return of any chemotherapy related or radiation adverse events (AEs) to grade 1 or to baseline prior to cancer treatment except lymphopenia is required. * The effects of EWSR1 immunotherapy on the developing human fetus are unknown. For this reason, women of child-bearing potential and men must agree to use adequate contraception (hormonal or barrier method of birth control and/or abstinence for at least 90 days after last dose of EWSR1 immunotherapy. Should a woman become pregnant or suspect she is pregnant while she or her partner is participating in this study, she should inform her treating physician immediately. * Ability to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent document; minors must assent. * Women of childbearing potential to have negative pregnancy test within 7 days of EWSR1 immunotherapy dosing. Exclusion Criteria: * Participants on concurrent chemotherapy or other immunotherapy. * Participants who have not recovered from adverse events due to prior anti-cancer therapy (i.e., have residual toxicities ≥ Grade 2) with the exception of alopecia and lymphopenia, post-nadir neutropenia and thrombocytopenia, and decreased function that has achieved a "new and stable baseline" from cancer, surgery, or radiation. * Participants who are receiving any other investigational agents. * Participants on total parenteral nutrition. * History of severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) attributed to compounds of similar chemical or biologic composition to EWSR1 immunotherapy. * Participants with uncontrolled infection (e.g., on intravenous antibiotics or with symptoms of fever attributable to infection). * Pregnant women are excluded from this study because of the unknown effects of EWS immunotherapy or anti-PD1and their potential for teratogenic or abortifacient effects. * Participants who are unwilling or unable to comply with required study visits are ineligible. * Recent (\< 2 weeks) vaccine use, active HIV/Hep B/C, or any current or prior medical condition or therapy that, in the opinion of the treating investigator, could confound the results of the trial or is not in the best interest of the participant to participate. * Any participant with congestive heart failure (as defined by New York Heart Association Functional Classification III or IV), unstable angina, serious uncontrolled heart arrythmia, a myocardial infarction within 6 months prior to study entry, or a history of myocarditis. * Inadequate pulmonary function as defined by baseline pulse oximetry 92% or less on room air.
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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.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cleveland Clinic Foundation Taussig Cancer Institute
Cleveland, Ohio, 44195, United States
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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- Can engineered immune cells tackle childhood sarcoma?
- A simple blood test may reveal how ewing sarcoma responds to therapy
- Radioactive antibody targets rare childhood cancer