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

NCT ID NCT04117087

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jul 28, 2026 · Updated 2 times

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.

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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

Locations

  • Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center

    Baltimore, Maryland, 21231, United States

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