Bacteria-Based immunotherapy targets pancreatic tumors in first human test
NCT ID NCT07828236
First seen Sep 18, 2026 · Last updated Sep 18, 2026
Summary
Researchers are testing a new immunotherapy called Lm-LLO-TT in adults with advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma that has already been treated with chemotherapy. Lm-LLO-TT uses a weakened form of Listeria bacteria engineered to carry a tetanus toxoid antigen, aiming to spark an immune response against tumors. Participants receive the therapy directly into the abdominal cavity along with low-dose gemcitabine. The Phase 1 trial's main goal is to find a safe dose and check for side effects, while also looking at whether tumors respond.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Lm-LLO-TT, a live weakened Listeria bacteria immunotherapy engineered to carry a tetanus toxoid antigen
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this approach could offer a new way to trigger the immune system against pancreatic tumors that have resisted chemotherapy.
- What could go wrong
- This is a first-in-human Phase 1 trial with only 18 participants, so its main goal is safety, not proving the treatment works. The Listeria-based therapy may cause immune reactions or side effects, and the combination may not shrink tumors.
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Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Phase 1
The first testing in people. Mainly checks safety and dose, usually in a small group.
- Participants
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About 18 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
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Oct 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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Jan 2029
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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A company
The lead sponsor is a pharmaceutical, biotech, or medical-device company.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: Able and willing to provide written informed consent. Adults aged 18 years or older. Histologically confirmed pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) with measurable disease per RECIST v1.1. Previously treated with at least one line of chemotherapy for metastatic or unresectable disease, including a fluoropyrimidine-based or gemcitabine-based regimen, or have a contraindication to these therapies. No radiation therapy, targeted therapy, or chemotherapy within 14 days prior to first study treatment; no immunotherapy or biologic therapy within 28 days prior to first study treatment. Recovery to ≤ Grade 2 from clinically significant toxicities of prior therapy. ECOG Performance Status 0-2. Estimated life expectancy greater than 3 months. Adequate organ function, including adequate hematologic, hepatic, and renal function. Participants with treated brain metastases may be enrolled if clinically stable for at least 1 month. Willing to comply with study procedures and contraceptive requirements. Participants with HIV may be enrolled if receiving antiretroviral therapy and CD4 count is \>400 cells/µL. Participants with hepatitis B may be enrolled if viral load is undetectable and appropriately treated; participants with hepatitis C may be enrolled following curative treatment. Demonstrated tetanus toxoid (TT) immune responsiveness, either at baseline or following administration of a tetanus toxoid booster during screening. Exclusion Criteria: * History of chronic comorbidities that would significantly limit participation in the study, including severe heart failure (NYHA Class III-IV), end-stage renal disease, substance dependence, or inadequate venous access, as determined by the investigator. Candidate for curative-intent surgical resection. Surgery within 2 weeks prior to first study treatment. Evidence of hepatic cirrhosis or clinically/radiographically significant ascites. Blood transfusion within 14 days prior to study treatment or requirement for frequent blood transfusions (\>2 per month). Treatment with systemically active corticosteroids within 28 days before study treatment (except low-dose dexamethasone ≤2 mg/day or prednisone ≤10 mg/day). Systemic antibiotic therapy within 14 days prior to first dose of Lm-LLO-TT. Receipt of another investigational product or vaccine within 28 days prior to first study treatment. Receipt of any vaccine other than the protocol-required tetanus toxoid booster within 4 weeks before study treatment or during the initial DLT evaluation period. Major surgery, significant traumatic injury, unhealed surgical wounds, or planned surgery requiring general anesthesia within 28 days before study treatment. Active, uncontrolled HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or HTLV-1 infection, or CD4 count \<400 cells/µL. Presence of implanted prosthetic devices, including orthopedic prostheses, pacemakers, or prosthetic heart valves. Chronic immunosuppressive therapy for autoimmune or rheumatologic conditions. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals. Active uncontrolled bacterial infection requiring intravenous antibiotics, fever \>38.1°C, or unexplained fever within 7 days before Day 1. History of Guillain-Barré syndrome within 6 weeks of a previous tetanus toxoid vaccination or prior Arthus-type hypersensitivity reaction to tetanus vaccine.
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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.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Einstein College of Medicine/Montefiore Hospital
The Bronx, New York, 10461, United States
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