Dendritic Cell Vaccine + Standard Therapy for Glioblastoma

(DERIVe Trial)

This trial explores a new dendritic cell vaccine combined with standard treatments for glioblastoma, a type of brain cancer. Researchers aim to determine if the vaccine can enhance the body's immune response to combat the cancer more effectively than standard treatments alone. Participants will be divided into three groups, each receiving different pre-conditioning before the vaccine. One group will also receive a drug called varlilumab to potentially enhance the vaccine's effects. The trial seeks individuals newly diagnosed with glioblastoma who have already undergone surgery to remove the tumor. Candidates should also be eligible to receive radiation and a chemotherapy drug called temozolomide. As a Phase 2 trial, this research focuses on measuring the treatment's effectiveness in an initial, smaller group of people.

The trial protocol does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. However, it mentions that co-medication that may interfere with study results, such as immuno-suppressive agents other than corticosteroids, is not allowed. It's best to discuss your current medications with the trial team to see if any adjustments are needed.

Research has shown that dendritic cell vaccines have been safe and effective in various applications. For instance, studies on vaccines using CMV RNA-pulsed dendritic cells have demonstrated safety and general tolerability. This suggests potential safety for treating glioblastoma as well.

Regarding varlilumab, research indicates it is well-tolerated, with no major side effects beyond those typical for similar treatments. This suggests varlilumab is likely safe for participants in this study.

Researchers are excited about these treatments for glioblastoma because they introduce a novel approach using dendritic cell (DC) vaccines, which are designed to train the immune system to target cancer cells. Unlike standard treatments like surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, these vaccines use human CMV pp65-LAMP mRNA to pulse autologous DCs, potentially enhancing the body's immune response against the tumor. Additionally, the inclusion of varlilumab and Td toxoid as pre-conditioning agents is a unique feature that might boost the effectiveness of the vaccines. This innovative method offers hope for a more targeted and potentially more effective treatment for this aggressive form of brain cancer.

Research has shown that dendritic cell (DC) vaccines, one of the treatments in this trial, can improve outcomes for glioblastoma patients when used alongside standard treatments. These vaccines have been linked to better overall survival and longer periods without disease progression, indicating they help the immune system fight the tumor more effectively. Studies have found that patients receiving these vaccines lived longer compared to those who did not.