Experimental combo aims to outsmart relapsed blood cancers

NCT ID NCT02890329

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

Summary

This early-stage trial tests whether adding the immunotherapy drug ipilimumab to the chemotherapy drug decitabine is safe and tolerable for people with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) or acute myeloid leukemia (AML) that has come back or stopped responding to treatment. About 54 participants will receive the combination to find the best dose and watch for any anti-cancer effects. The goal is to see if this approach can help control these difficult-to-treat blood cancers.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

Ipilimumab (an immunotherapy drug) and decitabine (a chemotherapy drug)

What this could lead to

If it works, this could point toward a new treatment option for people with hard-to-treat MDS or AML that has returned or not responded to prior therapy.

What could go wrong

This is a very early Phase 1 trial with only 54 participants, focused on safety and dosing. It is not designed to prove effectiveness, and the combination may cause significant side effects or fail to control the disease.

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.

acute myeloid leukemia acute myeloid leukemia with multilineage dysplasia myelodysplastic syndrome Myelodysplastic Syndromes therapy related acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome therapy-related myeloid neoplasm

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

    Boston, Massachusetts, 02215, United States

  • Brigham and Women's Hospital

    Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, United States

  • Case Western Reserve University

    Cleveland, Ohio, 44106, United States

  • City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center

    Duarte, California, 91010, United States

  • Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

    Boston, Massachusetts, 02215, United States

  • Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center

    Boston, Massachusetts, 02114, United States

  • Moffitt Cancer Center

    Tampa, Florida, 33612, United States

  • Northside Hospital

    Atlanta, Georgia, 30342, United States

  • UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center

    La Jolla, California, 92093, United States

  • University of California Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center

    Sacramento, California, 95817, United States

  • University of Virginia Cancer Center

    Charlottesville, Virginia, 22908, United States