Ependymoma Vaccine Trial – Phase I

Immunotherapy for Recurrent Ependymomas in Children

Ependymoma Vaccine Trial Fact Sheet

Treatment for Recurrent Ependymomas in Children Using HLA-A2 Restricted Tumor Antigen Peptides in Combination With Imiquimod

Protocol Description

This research study, initiated by Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, is a clinical trial of vaccinations targeted against three proteins found on the majority of childhood ependymoma cells in children with recurrent ependymomas. Ependymomas are among the most common brain and spinal cord tumors in children and those that recur have very few effective treatment options.
Study Level: Phase I

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility criteria includes being between the ages of 12 months and 21 years, having the HLA-A2 tissue type and being willing to travel to Pittsburgh to receive the vaccines. Testing of potential participants is done through a blood test at no charge by the study institution.
Males and Females: Ages 12 months to 21 years

Requirements

Vaccines will be given by subcutaneous injection at Children’s every 3 weeks for eight times and then every 6 weeks 12 times, depending on response.
Visits: Approximately 20, depending on response to the vaccine
Duration: Up to 2 years

Status: Open for Enrollment

Source(s) of Support

Connor's Cure Fund, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh
National Institutes of Health

Primary Investigator

Andrew Bukowinski, MD

James Felker, MD

Ian F. Pollack, MD

Contact Information

For more information about the study or enrollment, please contact: 

Research Coordinators

Melissa Repine
Email: mcmimj2@upmc.edu
Phone: 412-692-8864

Sharon DiBridge
Email: sharon.dibridge@chp.edu
Phone: 412-692-8864