Experimental combo targets Hard-to-Treat GI cancers

NCT ID NCT03095781

Completed Disease control Sponsor: Emory University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This early-phase trial tested two drugs together—pembrolizumab (Keytruda) and XL888—in 47 people with advanced gastrointestinal cancers like colorectal and pancreatic cancer that had spread or could not be removed. The main goal was to find the safest dose and check for side effects. Researchers also looked for signs that the tumors shrank, but the study was too small to prove effectiveness.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Pembrolizumab (Keytruda) and XL888 (Hsp90 inhibitor)
What this could lead to: If successful, this combination could point toward a new treatment option for advanced gastrointestinal cancers that have not responded to standard therapies.
What could go wrong: This is an early Phase 1 trial with only 47 participants, focused on safety and dosing. It is too small and early to know if the combination will be effective, and side effects may be significant.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

cholangiocarcinoma colorectal adenocarcinoma colorectal cancer colorectal carcinoma colorectal neoplasm exocrine pancreatic carcinoma gastric adenocarcinoma gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma hepatocellular carcinoma malignant pancreatic neoplasm pancreatic adenocarcinoma pancreatic neoplasm small intestine adenocarcinoma

As listed by the trial registrant

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

COLORECTAL ADENOCARCINOMA METASTATIC PANCREATIC ADENOCARCINOMA RECURRENT COLORECTAL CARCINOMA RECURRENT PANCREATIC CARCINOMA STAGE III COLORECTAL CANCER STAGE III PANCREATIC CANCER STAGE IIIA COLORECTAL CANCER STAGE IIIB COLORECTAL CANCER STAGE IV COLORECTAL CANCER STAGE IV PANCREATIC CANCER STAGE IVA COLORECTAL CANCER STAGE IVA PANCREATIC CANCER STAGE IVB COLORECTAL CANCER STAGE IVB PANCREATIC CANCER UNRESECTABLE PANCREATIC CARCINOMA

Contacts and locations

Locations

Emory Saint Joseph's Hospital

Atlanta, Georgia, 30342, United States
Emory University Hospital Midtown

Atlanta, Georgia, 30308, United States
Emory University/Winship Cancer Institute

Atlanta, Georgia, 30322, United States

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