Head Neck Tumors study: Autologous DC vaccine vs Interleukin-2
Official title A Phase II Study on Adjuvant Vaccination with Dendritic Cells Loaded with Autologous Tumor Homogenate in Resected Stage IV Rare Cancers.
ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT04166006
What this study is testing
What is Autologous DC vaccine?
This is an investigational biological treatment being studied as a potential therapy for head and neck tumors. It is designed to use your own immune cells, loaded with pieces of your tumor, to help your body recognize and fight the cancer.
Plain-language explanation of the investigational treatment. It is being studied and is not an approved or proven therapy. The study team can confirm the details.
- What it's testing
- The study wants to find out if the vaccine is safe and if it can trigger the immune system to fight cancer after the tumor has been removed.
- Who it's for
- It is looking for adults who have had surgery for stage IV head‑neck tumors, neuroendocrine tumors, or soft tissue sarcomas.
- What's involved
- Participants will receive injections of a vaccine made from their own tumor cells that have been mixed with special immune cells. They will have regular clinic visits for blood tests and safety checks.
- Time commitment
- The study lasts about 12 months, with several clinic visits over that time.
- Phase 2: a mid-size study of how well it works
A plain-language read of the study's public ClinicalTrials.gov listing. The study team confirms the details.
Who can take part
Ages 18 and older
You may be able to join if
- Patients must have histologically confirmed stage IV Head\&Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC), NeuroEndocrine Tumors (NET) or Soft Tissue Sarcoma...
- The autologous surgical specimen must have been collected and sent to the Somatic Cell Therapy Lab and must fulfil all the acceptance criteria...
- The patient must be disease-free, as assessed by CT scan or MRI of the chest, abdomen, pelvis performed within 60 days before enrolment.
- Patients disease-free candidates for only observation as per clinical practice (no standard treatment is available after surgery)
- The patient must have recovered from all the adverse events related to previous surgery.
You likely can't join if
- Patients with residual disease after surgery. Marginal resection of any lesion in the absence of clinically evident residual disease is acceptable.
- Patient who completed surgery more than 90 days before study enrolment.
- History of other neoplastic diseases in the previous 5 years, except basal cell carcinoma of the skin and in situ carcinoma of the cervix uteri...
- History of congenital or acquired immunodeficiency, including history of organ transplantation.
- Any positivity for the serologic markers of hepatitis B virus (HBV) (including at least anti- Hepatitis B surface antibodies (HBs) and hepatitis B...
- Female patients who are pregnant or nursing.
See the full eligibility criteria
- Patients must have histologically confirmed stage IV Head\&Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC), NeuroEndocrine Tumors (NET) or Soft Tissue Sarcoma (STS) surgically treated with radical intent.
- The autologous surgical specimen must have been collected and sent to the Somatic Cell Therapy Lab and must fulfil all the acceptance criteria prescribed by the Good Manufactory Practice (GMP) procedures.
- The patient must be disease-free, as assessed by CT scan or MRI of the chest, abdomen, pelvis performed within 60 days before enrolment.
- Patients disease-free candidates for only observation as per clinical practice (no standard treatment is available after surgery)
- The patient must have recovered from all the adverse events related to previous surgery.
- Age ≥18 years.
- Performance status Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) 0 or 1.
- Haemoglobin \>10 g/dl
- White blood cells ≥3000/μl.
- Absolute neutrophil count ≥1500/μl.
- Platelets≥75000/μl.
- aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) \<3 times the upper institutional reference level.
- Total bilirubin \<1.5 times the upper institutional reference level.
- Serum creatinine \<1.5 times the upper institutional reference level.
- Patients aged 70 years or older must have left ventricular ejection fraction not lower than 55% as assessed by echocardiography.
- Female patients of childbearing potential and all male patients must accept and be compliant with an highly effective contraceptive method (i.e.
- The patient is willing and able to give written informed consent for the study.
- Patients with residual disease after surgery. Marginal resection of any lesion in the absence of clinically evident residual disease is acceptable.
- Patient who completed surgery more than 90 days before study enrolment.
- History of other neoplastic diseases in the previous 5 years, except basal cell carcinoma of the skin and in situ carcinoma of the cervix uteri treated with curative surgery.
- History of congenital or acquired immunodeficiency, including history of organ transplantation.
- Any positivity for the serologic markers of hepatitis B virus (HBV) (including at least anti- Hepatitis B surface antibodies (HBs) and hepatitis B core (HBc) antibodies, hepatitis C virus (HCV), HIV or Treponema...
- Female patients who are pregnant or nursing.
- Participation in another clinical trial with any investigational agent within 30 days prior to study screening.
- Any active inflammatory or autoimmune disease requiring systemic steroids or other immunomodulatory agents as detailed in section 6.4, or potentially requiring such treatments during the study treatment in the judgement...
- Any clinical condition that, in the opinion of the Investigator or the Transfusion Medicine specialist, is a contraindication to leukapheresis.
- Any uncontrolled serious intercurrent illness including, but not limited to, ongoing or active infection, symptomatic congestive heart failure, unstable angina pectoris, cardiac arrhythmia, or psychiatric illness/social...
- Refusal of giving written informed consent.
The study team makes the final eligibility decision.
Where it is enrolling
- Meldola, FC, Italy
Questions & answers
Do participants get paid in this trial?
This listing doesn't specify compensation. Many trials still reimburse travel or offer a stipend, so it's worth asking the study team when you connect.
Is it free to join, and do I need insurance?
Searching and applying through BridgeMD is free. In clinical trials the study-related treatment and visits are generally provided at no cost to you. You usually don't need insurance to take part, but confirm specifics with the study team.
How long does this study last?
The listing doesn't state an exact length. The study team walks you through the schedule and number of visits before you decide to enroll.
Who can join this trial?
This study is enrolling all sexes, 18 years and older. The study team makes the final eligibility decision.
Where is this trial taking place?
This study is enrolling now at Meldola, FC, Italy. Enter your location above to see the nearest enrolling site and check your eligibility.
Explore other conditions
BridgeMD is an information and trial-matching tool that is independent of the study sponsor. Details come from ClinicalTrials.gov. The study team decides eligibility, and your own doctor gives medical advice.