New vaccine combo targets rare liver cancer in early trial

NCT ID NCT04248569

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This early-phase trial tests a peptide vaccine designed to target a specific protein found in fibrolamellar carcinoma (FLC), a rare liver cancer. The vaccine is combined with two immunotherapy drugs (nivolumab and ipilimumab) to boost the immune system's attack on cancer cells. The study enrolls about 56 people with advanced FLC or other tumors carrying the same genetic change. The main goals are to check safety and measure immune response.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: DNAJB1-PRKACA peptide vaccine (Hiltonol) plus nivolumab and ipilimumab
What this could lead to: If successful, this could point toward a new treatment option for fibrolamellar carcinoma, a rare liver cancer with few effective therapies.
What could go wrong: This is an early phase 1 trial focused on safety, not yet proven to shrink tumors or extend life. The combination of drugs may cause significant side effects.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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