New cocktail aims to shrink deadly brain tumors

NCT ID NCT03532295

Completed Disease control Sponsor: Washington University School of Medicine Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This phase 2 trial tested a combination of two drugs (retifanlimab and epacadostat) plus radiation and bevacizumab in 51 patients with recurrent glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer. The goal was to boost the immune system's attack on the tumor and improve survival. The study measured how many patients lived at least 9 and 12 months after treatment.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: retifanlimab, epacadostat, bevacizumab, and radiation therapy
What this could lead to: If successful, this combination could offer a new treatment option to extend survival for patients with recurrent glioblastoma.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-phase trial (51 participants) with no control group, so results may not be definitive. The combination also carries risks from immune-related side effects and radiation.

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.

glioblastoma glioma gliosarcoma malignant glioma

As listed by the trial registrant

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

GLIOBLASTOMA GLIOMA

Contacts and locations

Locations

Mayo Clinic

Phoenix, Arizona, 85259, United States
Mayo Clinic

Rochester, Minnesota, 55905, United States
Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center

Winston-Salem, North Carolina, 27157, United States
Washington University School of Medicine

St Louis, Missouri, 63110, United States

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