Research
Gliomas Vaccine
Evaluating the Effects of Vaccinations for Children with Gliomas
Protocol Description
A pilot study, this multi-center clinical trial is studying the side effects of vaccine therapy and to see how well it works in treating young patients with newly diagnosed or recurrent glioma. Vaccines made from peptides may help the body build an effective immune response to kill tumor cells and prevent the growth of new ones.
Eligibility Criteria
Subject to certain exclusion criteria, the trial is enrolling participants of both genders, ages 3 to 21, who satisfy study criteria, including having either a newly diagnosed, incompletely resected, non-brain stem high-grade glioma; a newly diagnosed diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma or any biopsy-proven high-grade glioma, or a recurrent low or high grade glioma. Patients must have the HLA-A2 tissue type.
Males: Ages 3 to 21
Females: Ages 3 to 21
Requirements
A vaccine made from small proteins specific to gliomas wil be given in combination with an experimental drug called Poly-ICLC which boosts the immune system. Both will be given by subcutaneous injections at 3-week intervals for the first 21 weeks. Responding patients may continue receiving vaccines every 6 weeks for up to a year. Physical examinations, blood testing and MRI scans will be performed periodically.
Frequency of visits: Every 3 weeks for 8 times, then every 6 weeks up to 2 years
Duration: Up to 2 years for treatment
Status: Open For Enrollment
Sources of Support
The Brain Tumor Society
Musella Foundation
National Institutes of Health
Additional Resources
Study Description at National Institutes of Health
Primary Investigator(s)
Regina Jakacki, MD
Contact Information
To get started, please contact:
Sharon DiBridge, CRA
412-692-7070
Angela Krol, Research RN, BSN
412-692-8047
