New vaccine combo aims to train immune system against Hard-to-Treat cancers

NCT ID NCT04117087

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

Summary

This early-phase trial is testing a vaccine that targets mutated KRAS proteins, combined with two immunotherapy drugs (nivolumab and ipilimumab), in 27 patients with pancreatic or colorectal cancer that has been surgically removed. The goal is to see if the vaccine can safely boost the immune system's ability to recognize and fight cancer cells carrying KRAS mutations, which are common in these cancers. Researchers are primarily looking at side effects and immune response, not yet whether the treatment extends survival.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

KRAS peptide vaccine (with Poly-ICLC adjuvant) plus nivolumab and ipilimumab

What this could lead to

If successful, this combination could help the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells with KRAS mutations, potentially delaying or preventing recurrence in pancreatic and colorectal cancers.

What could go wrong

This is a very early phase 1 trial with only 27 participants, so safety and immune response are the main focus—not yet proof of effectiveness. There is also a risk of serious side effects from the immunotherapy drugs.

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.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for PANCREATIC CANCER are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

colonic neoplasm colorectal cancer colorectal neoplasm malignant pancreatic neoplasm pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma pancreatic neoplasm

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center

    Baltimore, Maryland, 21231, United States