New combo therapy aims to boost immune attack on deadly brain cancer

NCT ID NCT04817254

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This phase 2 trial tested whether adding two immunotherapy drugs (nivolumab and ipilimumab) to standard chemotherapy (temozolomide) improves survival in 47 adults with newly diagnosed glioblastoma or gliosarcoma. Participants had their tumors surgically removed and completed initial chemoradiation before starting the study treatment. The main goal was to see if changes in immune cells in the blood were linked to better outcomes.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

nivolumab, ipilimumab, and temozolomide

What this could lead to

If successful, this could point toward a more effective treatment for glioblastoma, potentially extending survival for patients with this aggressive brain cancer.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-phase trial with only 47 participants, so results may not apply to all patients. Immunotherapy can cause serious side effects, and the tumors often recur despite treatment.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

brain cancer glioblastoma glioma gliosarcoma malignant glioma

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • National Institutes of Health Clinical Center

    Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, United States