Can a Cancer-Fighting virus shrink tumors when chemo fails?

NCT ID NCT01394939

Completed Disease control Sponsor: Jennerex Biotherapeutics Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Aug 05, 2026 · Last updated Aug 06, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This trial tests an experimental virus-based therapy called JX-594 (Pexa-Vec) in people with advanced colorectal cancer that has not responded to standard treatments. The virus is designed to infect and kill cancer cells while also stimulating the immune system. It is given alone or combined with the chemotherapy drug irinotecan. The study aims to see if this approach can shrink tumors and help patients live longer.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: JX-594 (Pexa-Vec), a modified vaccinia virus, given alone or with the chemotherapy drug irinotecan
What this could lead to: If successful, this could offer a new treatment option for people with advanced colorectal cancer who have run out of standard therapies, potentially slowing tumor growth and extending survival.
What could go wrong: This is an early-phase trial, so the treatment may not work or may cause significant side effects. The virus-based approach is experimental, and results may not apply to all patients.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

colonic neoplasm colorectal cancer colorectal carcinoma colorectal neoplasm rectal neoplasm vaccinia

As listed by the trial registrant

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

COLORECTAL CARCINOMA CRC

Contacts and locations

Locations

Billings Clinic Cancer Center

Billings, Montana, 59101, United States
Gabrail Cancer Center

Canton, Ohio, 44718, United States
Hôpital Hautepierre

Strasbourg, 67200, France
Hôpital Saint Antoine

Paris, 75012, France
Institut Claudius Regaud

Toulouse, 31052, France
Juravinski Cancer Centre

Hamilton, Ontario, L8V 5C2, Canada
Mayo Clinic

Scottsdale, Arizona, 85259-5499, United States
Ottawa Hospital and Research Institute (OHRI)

Ottawa, Ontario, K1H 8L6, Canada
The Ohio State University

Columbus, Ohio, 43210, United States
UCSD Moores Cancer Center

La Jolla, California, 92093, United States
University of North Carolina

Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599-1651, United States

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