Clinical Research Directory

Chemo-immunotherapy Using Ibrutinib Plus Indoximod for Patients With Pediatric Brain Cancer

Recent lab-based discoveries suggest that IDO (indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase) and BTK (Bruton's tyrosine Kinase) form a closely linked metabolic checkpoint in tumor-associated antigen-presenting cells. The central clinical hypothesis for the GCC2020 study is that combining ibrutinib (BTK-inhibitor) with indoximod (IDO-inhibitor) during chemotherapy will synergistically enhance anti-tumor immune responses, leading to improvement in clinical response with manageable overlapping toxicity. The GCC2020 trial is a prospective open-label phase 1 trial to determine the best safe dose of the BTK-inhibitor ibrutinib to use in combination with previously studied chemo-immunotherapy regimens comprised of the investigational IDO-inhibitor indoximod plus oral palliative chemotherapy for participants, age 6 to 25 years, with relapsed or refractory primary brain cancer. Those previously treated with indoximod-based therapy may be eligible, including prior treatment via the phase 2 indoximod study (GCC1949, NCT04049669), the now closed phase 1 study (NLG2105, NCT02502708), or any expanded access (compassionate use) protocols. Ibrutinib will be combined with either indoximod plus oral cyclophosphamide and etoposide (Regimen A) or indoximod plus oral temozolomide (Regimen B). No cross-over between these two regimens will be allowed. Dose-escalation cohorts will determine the best safe dose of ibrutinib for each of these regimens. This will be followed by expansion cohorts, using ibrutinib at the best safe dose for each regimen, to allow assessment of preliminary evidence of efficacy.

Pediatric Trial of Indoximod With Chemotherapy and Radiation for Relapsed Brain Tumors or Newly Diagnosed DIPG

Indoximod was developed to inhibit the IDO (indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase) enzymatic pathway, which is important in the natural regulation of immune responses. This potent immune suppressive mechanism has been implicated in regulating immune responses in settings as diverse as infection, tissue/organ transplant, autoimmunity, and cancer. By inhibiting the IDO pathway, we hypothesize that indoximod will improve antitumor immune responses and thereby slow the growth of tumors. The central clinical hypothesis for the GCC1949 study is that inhibiting the pivotal IDO pathway by adding indoximod immunotherapy during chemotherapy and/or radiation is a potent approach for breaking immune tolerance to pediatric tumors that will improve outcomes, relative to standard therapy alone. This is an NCI-funded (R01 CA229646, MPI: Johnson and Munn) open-label phase 2 trial using indoximod-based combination chemo-radio-immunotherapy for treatment of patients age 3 to 21 years who have progressive brain cancer (glioblastoma, medulloblastoma, or ependymoma), or newly-diagnosed diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG). Statistical analysis will stratify patients based on whether their treatment plan includes up-front radiation (or proton) therapy in combination with indoximod. Central review of tissue diagnosis from prior surgery is required, except non-biopsied DIPG. This study will use the "immune-adapted Response Assessment for Neuro-Oncology" (iRANO) criteria for measurement of outcomes. Planned enrollment is up to 140 patients.

PEP-CMV + Nivolumab for Newly Diagnosed Diffuse Midline Glioma/High-grade Glioma and Recurrent Diffuse Midline Glioma/High-grade Glioma, Medulloblastoma, and Ependymoma

This is a multisite, phase I/II clinical trial in children and young adults with newly-diagnosed high-grade glioma (HGG), diffuse midline glioma (DMG) and recurrent HGG/DMG, Medulloblastoma (MB), or ependymoma (EPN) to determine the safety, immunogenicity, and efficacy of a CMV-directed peptide vaccine plus checkpoint blockade.

Exploratory Study of Effects of Radiation Therapy in Pediatric Patients With Central Nervous System Tumors

This study will analyze the effects of radiation given to children who have tumors of the central nervous system (CNS). Researchers want to learn more about changes in the quality of life that patients may experience as a result of radiation. Patients ages 21 and younger who have a primary CNS tumor and who have not received radiation previously may be eligible for this study. They will have a medical history and physical examination. Collection of blood (about 2-1/2 tablespoons) and urine will be done, as well as a pregnancy test. Patients will complete neuropsychological tests, which provide information about their changes in functioning over time. An expert in psychology will give a number of tests, and the patient's parents or guardian will be asked to complete a questionnaire about the patient's behavior. Also, patients will be given a quality of life questionnaire to complete and vision and hearing tests. The radiation itself is prescribed by patients' doctors and is not part of this study. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) will give researchers information about the tumor and brain, through several scanning sequences . MRI uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to obtain images of body organs and tissues. Patients will lie on a table that slides into the enclosed tunnel of the scanner. They will need to lie still, and medication may be given to help them to do that. They may be in the scanner for up to 2 hours. As the scanner takes pictures, patients will hear knocking or beeping sounds, and they will wear earplugs to reduce the noise. A contrast agent will be administered, to allow images be seen more clearly. Blood and urine tests will be conducted after the first dose of radiation. MRI scans will be done 2 weeks after patients finish radiation therapy and again at 6 to 8 weeks, 6 months, 12 months, and yearly. Also at those follow-up periods, patients will undergo similar procedures as previously, including blood and urine tests and neuropsychological testing. Patients can remain in this study for 5 years. ...

Rare CNS Tumors Outcomes &Risk

Background: Primary tumors of the brain and spine are those that start in the brain or spine. These tumors are rare, accounting for \<2% of all cancers diagnosed in the United States. Some of these tumors occur in less than 2,000 people per year. Researchers want to study a large group of people with this kind of tumor. They want to learn more about the tumors, including the risk factors related to how they develop in adults. Objective: To collect health and gene data to learn about what changes are associated with a rare CNS Tumors, to eventually screen for these changes or target the genes in treatment. Eligibility: Adult participants \>= 18 years of age who self- identify as being diagnosed with one of 12 rare CNS tumors, including: Atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor (ATRT); Brainstem and midline gliomas; Choroid plexus tumors; Ependymoma; High grade meningioma; Gliomatosis cerebri; Medulloblastoma; Oligodendroglioma / Anaplastic oligodendroglioma; Pineal region tumors; Pleomorphic xanthroastrocytoma / Anaplastic pleomorphic xanthroastrocytoma; PNET (Supratentorial embryonal tumor); Primary CNS sarcoma / Secondary CNS sarcoma (Gliosarcoma). Design: Participants will be invited to participate through an ad on the CERN Foundation website (ependymoma), information on the Neuro-Oncology Branch website and other identified advocacy and social media sites and direct mailer to those who have already participated in the EO projects. (Registered Trademark) * Interested participants will complete an enrollment form that will be sent to the study coordinator. * The coordinator will then send the participant a consent form and schedule a time for phone consent. * Participants will complete the Rare CNS tumors Outcomes Survey and once completed, the Rare CNS tumors Risk survey. (Registered Trademark) * The questions on the Outcomes Survey will include treatment history, symptoms social and clinical information and it should take about 25-35 minutes. The Risk survey will cover their demographic information, personal medical history, family medical history and environmental exposures. This should take about 52 minutes. * Participants who have physical problems can have help with the surveys and forms. * Once the surveys are completed, participants will be mailed a kit to collect saliva for germline DNA. Participants will ship the sample to the study team in a prepaid envelope * If the sample is not sufficient, participants will be contacted to give provide an additional sample....

Mirdametinib to Reduce the Size of Large/Giant Congenital Melanocytic Nevi in Children, Adolescents and Young Adults

Background: Large and giant congenital melanocytic nevi (LGCMN) are dark birthmarks (moles). They can grow to 8 inches or more across. People with LGCMN have an increased risk of getting skin cancer or problems with the nervous system. Researchers want to find out if a drug approved for a different use (mirdametinib) can shrink the size of LGCMN. Objective: To test mirdametinib in people with LGCMN. Eligibility: People aged 3 to 40 years with LGCMN. Design: Participants will be screened. Their LGCMN sites will be measured and photographed. They will have blood tests, an eye exam, and tests of their heart function. They will also have: * An exam of their nervous system: Their muscle strength, ability to feel and touch, balance, alertness, and other skills will be tested. * Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan: They will lie on a bed that slides into a tube; the scan will use large magnets to create images of their brain and spinal cord. * Skin biopsy: A small sample of their skin may be taken. * VECTRA scan: This is a 3-dimensional imaging system that takes pictures of all of the skin all at once. Mirdametinib will be either pills or capsules that are taken by mouth. Participants will take the drug in 4-week cycles. They will take the pills 2 times a day for 3 weeks with 1 week off. Participants may continue taking the drug for 2 years. They will have clinic visits 12 times while taking the drug. Imaging scans and other tests will be repeated. Participants will continue to have checkups every 6 months for 3 more years.

Selumetinib for NF2-Related Schwannomatosis

The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the MEK1/2 inhibitor selumetinib in treating patients with neurofibromatosis type 2-related schwannomatosis (NF2-SWN), including both adults and children with inoperable or progressive tumors.

Innovative Trial for Understanding the Impact of Targeted Therapies in NF2-Related Schwannomatosis (INTUITT-NF2)

This is a multi-arm phase II platform-basket screening study designed to test multiple experimental therapies simultaneously in patients with NF2-related schwannomatosis (NF2-SWN, formerly known as neurofibromatosis type 2) with associated progressive tumors of vestibular schwannomas (VS), non-vestibular schwannomas (non-VS), meningiomas, and ependymomas. This Master Study is being conducted as a "basket" study that may allow people with multiple tumor types associated with NF2-SWN to receive new drugs throughout this study. Embedded within the Master Study are individual drug substudies. * Investigational Drug Sub-study A: Brigatinib * Investigational Drug Sub-study B: Neratinib * Investigational Drug Sub-study C: Retifanlimab plus bevacizumab

Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Nivolumab in People With Recurrent Select Rare CNS Cancers

Background: More than 130 primary tumors of the central nervous system (CNS) have been identified. Most affect less than 1,000 people in the United States each year. Because these tumors are so rare, there are few proven therapies. This study will test whether the immunotherapy drug nivolumab is an effective treatment for people with rare CNS tumors. Objectives: To learn if stimulating the immune system using the drug nivolumab can shrink tumors in people with rare CNS (brain or spine) tumors or increase the time it takes for these tumors to grow or spread. Eligibility: Adults whose rare CNS tumor has returned. Design: Individuals will be screened: * Heart and blood tests * Physical and neurological exam * Hepatitis tests * Pregnancy test * Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). They will lay in a machine that takes pictures. * Tumor tissue sample. This can be from a previous procedure. At the start of the study, participants will have blood tests. They will answer questions about their symptoms and their quality of life. Individuals will get nivolumab in a vein every 2 weeks for up to 64 weeks. Individuals will have monthly blood tests. Every other month they will have an MRI and a neurologic function test. They will also answer questions about their quality of life. Genetic tests will be done on individuals' tumor tissue. Individuals will be contacted if any clinically important results are found. After treatment ends, individuals will be monitored for up to 5 years. They will have a series of MRIs and neurological function tests. They will be asked to report any symptoms they experience....

Phase I Study of Oral ONC206 in Recurrent and Rare Primary Central Nervous System Neoplasms

The primary objective of this Phase 1, open-label, dose-escalation, and exploratory study is to evaluate the safety and tolerability profile (establish the maximum-tolerated dose) and evaluate the occurrence of dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) following single weekly or multiple-day weekly dose regimens of single-agent, oral ONC206 in patients with recurrent, primary central nervous system (CNS) neoplasms.

PLX038 in Primary Central Nervous System Tumors Containing MYC or MYCN Amplifications

Background: About 90,000 new cases of brain and spinal cord tumors are diagnosed annually in the United States. Most of these tumors are benign; however, about 30% are malignant, and 35% of people with malignant tumors in the brain and spinal cord will die within 5 years. Many of these people have changes in certain genes (MYC or MYCN) that drive the development of their cancers. Objective: To test a study drug (PLX038) in people with tumors of the brain or spinal cord. Eligibility: People aged 18 years or older with a tumor of the brain or spinal cord. Some participants must also have tumors with changes in the MYC or MYCN genes. Design: Participants will be screened. They will have a physical exam and blood tests. They will have imaging scans and a test of their heart function. They may need to have a biopsy: A sample of tissue will be removed from their tumor. PLX038 is given through a tube attached to a needle inserted into a vein in the arm. All participants will receive PLX038 on the first day of each 21-day treatment cycle. They will take a second drug 3 days later to help reduce the risk of infection; for this drug, participants will be shown how to inject themselves under the skin at home. Blood tests, imaging scans, and other tests will be repeated during study visits. Hair samples will also be collected during these visits. Some participants may have an additional biopsy. Study treatment will continue up to 7 months. Follow-up visits will continue every few months for up to 5 years.

Proton Therapy Research Infrastructure- ProTRAIT- Neuro-oncology

The first proton therapy treatments in the Netherlands have taken place in 2018. Due to the physical properties of protons, proton therapy has tremendous potential to reduce the radiation dose to the healthy, tumour-surrounding tissues. In turn, this leads to less radiation-induced complications, and a decrease in the formation of secondary tumours. The Netherlands has spearheaded the development of the model-based approach (MBA) for the selection of patients for proton therapy when applied to prevent radiation-induced complications. In MBA, a pre-treatment in-silico planning study is done, comparing proton and photon treatment plans in each individual patient, to determine (1) whether there is a significant difference in dose in the relevant organs at risk (ΔDose), and (2) whether this dose difference translates into an expected clinical benefit in terms of NormalTissue Complication Probabilities (ΔNTCP). To translate ΔDose into ΔNTCP, NTCP-models are used, which are prediction models describing the relation between dose parameters and the likelihood of radiation-induced complications. The Dutch Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology (NVRO) setup the selection criteria for proton therapy in 2015, taking into account toxicity and NTCP. However, NTCP-models can be affected by changes in the irradiation technique. Therefore, it is paramount to continuously update and validate these NTCP-models in subsequent patient cohorts treated with new techniques. In ProTRAIT, a Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable (FAIR)data infrastructure for both clinical and 3D image and 3D dose information has been developed and deployed for proton therapy in the Netherlands. It allows for a prospective, standardized, multi-centric data from all Dutch proton and a representative group of photon therapy patients.

Peds CHAMP1ON - Hematopoietic Stem Cell And Monoclonal Antibody PD-1 Blockade for RecurreNt Pediatric High-Grade Glioma

This is a Phase I study of ex vivo expanded CD34+ hematopoietic stem cells (exHSCs) plus nivolumab in pediatric patients with histologically confirmed diagnosis of a non-brainstem high-grade glioma (NB-HGG, WHO Grade III or IV astrocytoma, oligodendrogliomas, oligoastrocytomas, ependymomas) that is recurrent, progressive or refractory following radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy. Patients must be candidates for standard of care surgical resection or biopsy.

Pharmacoscopy for Patients With Refractory Primary Brain Tumors

Advanced technology of ex vivo drug profiling referred to as pharmacoscopy may allow to identify novel drugs for the treatment of glioblastoma and other refractory brain tumors at an individual patient level. This personalized therapeutic approach was developed and validated in pre-clinical glioma models. With the current research proposal, we seek to establish feasibility for a clinical interventional trial for patients with refractory primary brain tumors that is based on pharmacoscopy-guided selection of treatment. The study is supported by an unrestricted grant from Anti Cancer Fund.

Determine Maximum Tolerated Dose, Safety, and Tolerability of Rhenium (186Re) in Pediatric Recurrent, Refractory or Progressive Ependymoma and High-Grade Glioma

Pediatric patients 6-21 years of age with supratentorial recurrent, refractory, or progressive pediatric ependymoma and high-grade glioma (HGG) will be included in this study of treatment with Rhenium-186 Nanoliposome (186RNL). Phase 1 of the study will look to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of 186RNL in this patient population. Phase 2 of the study will use the recommended dose determined in Phase 1 to continue to look at overall response rate and progression-free survival following 186RNL treatment.

B7-H3.CD28Z.CART in CNS Neoplasms

The purpose of this research study is to test the safety and effectiveness of a cell therapy at different doses for children and young adults with recurrent or progressive brain tumors. Recurrent/recurred means a tumor that has gone away and then came back. This cell therapy is called B7- H3.CD28Z.CART, referred to as B7-H3 CAR T cells. B7-H3 is a protein that is over-expressed on many tumor cells, making it a good target for cancer cell therapy. The names of the study investigational therapies involved in this study are: * Fludarabine (a type of chemotherapy) * Cyclophosphamide (a type of chemotherapy) * B7-H3 CAR T cells (a type of cellular therapy)

Individualized Treatment Plan in Children and Young Adults With Relapsed Medulloblastoma and Ependymoma

The current study will use a new treatment approach based on the molecular characteristics of each participant's tumor. The study will test the feasibility in the pilot phase of performing real-time drug screening on tissue taken during surgery in patients with relapsed medulloblastoma or ependymoma and of having a specialized tumor board assign a treatment plan based on the results of this screening and genomic sequencing. The aim of this trial is to allow every child and young adult with relapsed medulloblastoma and ependymoma to receive the most effective and least toxic therapies currently available and will pave the way for improved understanding and treatment of these tumors in the future. Moreover, if successful, it could serve as a paradigm for personalized medicine programs for other types of cancer.

Social Determinants of Health in Glioblastoma Population

The overall aim of this study is to prospectively characterize social health disparities in a cross-sectional cohort of glioma patients with attention to exploring and thematically categorizing the patient-specific and community-level factors. This will be conducted in two parts.

AI-Assisted MRI Molecular Subtyping in Pediatric Brain Tumors

This multicenter observational cohort study aims to develop and validate an artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted diagnostic system for preoperative molecular subtyping of pediatric brain tumors using routine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The study will include seven major pediatric brain tumor categories: glioma, medulloblastoma, ependymoma, atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor (AT/RT), intracranial germ cell tumors, craniopharyngioma, and choroid plexus tumors. The study includes a retrospective cohort for model development and internal/external validation, and a prospective cohort for further validation. Retrospective data will be collected from pediatric patients who underwent first surgical treatment between January 1, 2020 and December 31, 2025. Prospective enrollment will begin on July 15, 2026, with an anticipated sample size of 150 participants. The AI system will analyze preoperative MRI sequences, including T1-weighted, contrast-enhanced T1-weighted, T2-weighted, and FLAIR images, to predict key molecular markers and integrated diagnostic categories. The primary objective is to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the AI system for prespecified molecular prediction tasks using postoperative histopathology and molecular testing as the reference standard. Secondary objectives include assessing agreement with integrated diagnosis, comparing performance against blinded radiologists, and exploring prognostic associations of AI-predicted subgroups.

Platform Research for Innovative Medicines in NF2-SWN (PRIME-NF2)

This is an adaptive platform-basket trial that aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of multiple novel agents and combination therapies in patients with NF2-related schwannomatosis (NF2-SWN). The study employs a basket design to assess treatment responses across four tumor types commonly associated with NF2-SWN: vestibular schwannomas, non-vestibular schwannomas, meningiomas, and ependymomas. A shared natural history observational cohort, receiving routine clinical follow-up without investigational treatment, serves as a common control for all substudies. The adaptive platform enables the dynamic addition or closure of substudies based on interim analyses, thereby optimizing trial efficiency. Eligible patients who meet the master protocol criteria and satisfy substudy-specific safety requirements will be assigned to receive the corresponding intervention. Currently open substudies include: * Substudy A: Selumetinib * Substudy B: Luvometinib plus Serplulimab

Loc3CAR: Locoregional Delivery of B7-H3-CAR T Cells for Pediatric Patients With Primary CNS Tumors

Loc3CAR is a Phase I clinical trial evaluating the use of autologous B7-H3-CAR T cells for participants ≤ 21 years old with primary CNS neoplasms. B7-H3-CAR T cells will be locoregionally administered via a CNS reservoir catheter. Study participants will be divided into two cohorts: cohort A with B7-H3-positive relapsed/refractory non-brainstem primary CNS tumors, and cohort B with diffuse midline gliomas (DMG). Participants will receive four (4) B7-H3-CAR T cell infusions over a 4 week period. The purpose of this study is to find the maximum (highest) dose of B7-H3-CAR T cells that are safe to give patients with primary brain tumors. Primary objectives * To determine the safety, maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D) for the locoregional delivery of autologous B7-H3-CAR T cells in patients ≤ 21 years of age with recurrent/refractory B7-H3+ primary CNS tumors (Cohort A) or DMG (Cohort B). Secondary objectives * To assess the efficacy, defined as sustained objective response, a partial response (PR) or complete response (CR) observed anytime on active treatment with B7-H3-CAR T cells in patients with relapsed/refractory B7-H3+ primary CNS tumors (Cohort A) or DMG (Cohort B). * To characterize and monitor neurologic toxicities in patients while on study (Cohort A and B).

Memantine for Prevention of Cognitive Late Effects in Pediatric Patients Receiving Cranial Radiation Therapy for Localized Brain Tumors

Children with brain tumors who have had radiation therapy are at risk for problems with attention, memory, and problem solving. Such problems may cause difficulty in school and daily life. Memantine, the drug being used for this study, is not yet approved for use in children by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. However, studies have shown some improvements in memory for patients with dementia, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and autism. Scientists have also used this medication for adult cancer patients receiving radiation therapy with results showing less cognitive declines over time compared to patients taking a placebo (inactive pill). These studies have also shown few side effects. This is a pilot/feasibility study and the first known study involving children with a cancer diagnosis or brain tumor. PRIMARY OBJECTIVES: * To estimate the participation rate in a study of memantine used as a neuro-protective agent in children undergoing radiotherapy for localized brain tumors (low grade glioma, craniopharyngioma, ependymoma, or germ cell tumor) * To estimate the rate of memantine medication adherence * To estimate the rate of completion of cognitive assessments SECONDARY OBJECTIVES: * To estimate the effect size of change in neurobehavioral outcomes (cognitive, social, quality of life, neurologic) associated with memantine * To evaluate the frequency and nature of memantine side effects as measured by the Systematic Assessment for Treatment Emergent Events (SAFTEE)

Methionine PET/CT Studies In Patients With Cancer

The purpose of this study is to test the usefulness of imaging with radiolabeled methionine in the evaluation of children and young adults with tumor(s). Methionine is a naturally occurring essential amino acid. It is crucial for the formation of proteins. When labeled with carbon-11 (C-11), a radioactive isotope of the naturally occurring carbon-12, the distribution of methionine can be determined noninvasively using a PET (positron emission tomography) camera. C-11 methionine (MET) has been shown valuable in the monitoring of a large number of neoplasms. Since C-11 has a short half life (20 minutes), MET must be produced in a facility very close to its intended use. Thus, it is not widely available and is produced only at select institutions with access to a cyclotron and PET chemistry facility. With the new availability of short lived tracers produced by its PET chemistry unit, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (St. Jude) is one of only a few facilities with the capabilities and interests to evaluate the utility of PET scanning in the detection of tumors, evaluation of response to therapy, and distinction of residual tumor from scar tissue in patients who have completed therapy. The investigators propose to examine the biodistribution of MET in patients with malignant solid neoplasms, with emphasis on central nervous system (CNS) tumors and sarcomas. This project introduces a new diagnostic test for the noninvasive evaluation of neoplasms in pediatric oncology. Although not the primary purpose of this proposal, the investigators anticipate that MET studies will provide useful clinical information for the management of patients with malignant neoplasms.

Study in Children and Adolescents of 177Lu-DOTATATE (Lutathera®) Combined With the PARP Inhibitor Olaparib for the Treatment of Recurrent or Relapsed Solid Tumours Expressing Somatostatin Receptor (SSTR) (LuPARPed).

Study in children and adolescents of 177Lu DOTATATE (Lutathera®) combined with the PARP inhibitor olaparib for treatment of recurrent or relapsed solid tumours expressing somatostatin receptors (SSTR) (LuPARPed)