Ongoing, recruitingTherapeutic exploratory (Phase II)Interventional

First-line immunotherapy using Wilms’ tumor protein 1 (WT1)-targeted dendritic cell vaccinations for malignant pleural mesothelioma

This study is looking at a new treatment for malignant pleural mesothelioma, a cancer that affects the lining of the lungs. It involves a special "dendritic cell" vaccine, which uses your own immune cells to target cancer. The vaccine is designed to help your body fight cancer by targeting a specific protein called WT1, which is found on mesothelioma cells. Researchers want to know if this vaccine, when given alongside standard chemotherapy, is safe for patients and if it can help slow down the cancer's growth or improve how long people live. This is an early-stage study, meaning it's one of the first times this specific treatment combination is being tested in a larger group of patients.

At a glance

Status

Ongoing, recruiting

Phase

Therapeutic exploratory (Phase II)

Sponsor

Antwerp University Hospital

Enrolment target

Start

04 Nov 2024

Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma

What is this study about?

This study is exploring a new way to treat malignant pleural mesothelioma, a type of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs. The new treatment involves a special kind of vaccine, often called an "immunotherapy" or "dendritic cell vaccine." Imagine your body's immune system as an army; dendritic cells are like the generals that tell the soldiers (other immune cells) what to attack.

In this study, doctors take some of your own immune cells, prepare them in the lab, and teach them to recognise a specific protein called WT1, which is often found on mesothelioma cancer cells. The idea is that once these specially trained cells are given back to you as a vaccine, they will help your immune system find and fight the cancer more effectively. This vaccine will be given along with standard chemotherapy, which is already a common treatment for this type of cancer. The main goals are to check if this combined treatment is safe and if it helps patients live longer or keeps the cancer from growing.

Researchers will be carefully checking for any side effects, both minor (like skin reactions where the vaccine is given) and more serious ones. They'll also monitor how well the treatment is working by looking at how the cancer responds and how the immune system reacts. This is an important step in developing new and potentially more effective treatments for malignant pleural mesothelioma.

Key takeaways

This study is for adults with malignant pleural mesothelioma.
It tests a new immune-boosting vaccine with standard chemotherapy.
The main goals are to check safety and how well the treatment works.
Participation involves regular clinic visits for treatment and monitoring.
It's an early-stage trial trying to find better treatment options.

Who may be eligible?

To be part of this study, you generally need to be an adult, aged 18 or older. The study is open to both men and women.

More details about your specific health condition, previous treatments, and other medical factors would be discussed with you by the study doctor to determine if this trial is right for you. They will review all your medical records carefully.

Quick self-check

Are you 18 years old or older?
Have you been diagnosed with malignant pleural mesothelioma?
Are you able to travel to the study site for regular appointments?
Are you able to provide consent to participate in the study?

This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to join this study, you would receive the special vaccine alongside your regular chemotherapy. The doctors and nurses would carefully monitor you throughout the treatment. This would involve regular visits to the clinic for check-ups, blood tests, and scans to see how you're responding to the treatment and to keep an eye on any side effects. You might also have a procedure called 'leukapheresis,' which is like a blood donation where specific immune cells are collected. The total duration of your participation in the study, including follow-up appointments, would be explained in detail by the study team.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in a clinical trial offers the chance to receive a new treatment that might be more effective than current options, though there's no guarantee it will help everyone. You'll also contribute to medical knowledge, which could help future patients. However, new treatments can have unexpected side effects, and some known side effects are expected, such as skin reactions at the injection site or other effects associated with chemotherapy. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

—
Belgium

Common questions

What is malignant pleural mesothelioma?

It's a rare and aggressive cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, often linked to asbestos exposure.

What is a 'dendritic cell vaccine'?

It's a type of immunotherapy that uses your own immune cells to teach your body to fight cancer more effectively.

Will I still receive chemotherapy?

Yes, this study is testing the new vaccine alongside standard chemotherapy treatments.

What does 'Phase II' mean for a trial?

It means this is an early stage where researchers are primarily checking the safety of the treatment and if it shows promise for treating the cancer.

How will doctors know if the treatment is working?

They will use scans and other tests to see if the cancer is shrinking or growing, and if your immune system is responding.