New hope for brain lining cancer: immunotherapy injected directly into spinal fluid
NCT ID NCT03025256
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jul 01, 2026 · Updated 3 times
Summary
This early-phase trial is testing whether the immunotherapy drug nivolumab can help people with melanoma or lung cancer that has spread to the leptomeninges (the lining of the brain and spinal cord). The drug is given both through a vein and directly into the spinal fluid via a lumbar puncture. The study aims to find the safest dose and see if it can help patients live longer. About 75 participants will be enrolled.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
nivolumab (a cancer immunotherapy drug)
What this could lead to
If it works, this could offer a new treatment option for people with cancer that has spread to the lining of the brain and spinal cord, a condition with very few options.
What could go wrong
This is an early Phase I trial with only 75 participants, so it is primarily testing safety and dosing. It may not improve survival, and side effects from the immunotherapy or the spinal injections could be serious.
Disclaimer
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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.
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.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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M D Anderson Cancer Center
Houston, Texas, 77030, United States