Immunotherapy combo shows limited promise for rare brain lining cancer
NCT ID NCT02939300
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This phase 2 trial tested a combination of two immunotherapy drugs, ipilimumab and nivolumab, in 18 adults with leptomeningeal metastases—cancer that has spread to the lining of the brain and spinal cord. The study aimed to see if this drug combo could improve survival. Results showed only a modest benefit, and the treatment can cause serious side effects.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Ipilimumab and Nivolumab (immunotherapy drugs)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this combination could offer a new treatment option for patients with cancer that has spread to the lining of the brain and spinal cord.
- What could go wrong
- This was a small, early-phase trial with only 18 participants. The drugs can cause serious immune-related side effects, and the overall survival benefit was modest.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for LEPTOMENINGEAL CARCINOMATOSIS are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
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
Show contact details
Enter your email to view the contact information for this study.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Locations
-
Dana Farber Cancer Institute
Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, United States
-
Massachusetts general Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts, 02114, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.