Glioblastoma, the most common primary brain tumor in adults, is a highly aggressive and malignant brain cancer. The current standard treatment for glioblastoma involves surgical resection, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. However, due to the infiltrative nature of glioblastoma cells and their ability to disrupt the normal functioning of the supportive tissue, outcomes remain poor, with tumor recurrence common. Research continues to explore more innovative and effective treatment approaches, such as immunotherapy, to improve patient outcomes.

The University of Cincinnati Cancer Center is a study site for the clinical trial A Phase 2b Clinical Study with a Combination Immunotherapy in Newly Diagnosed Patients with Glioblastoma (Imxax 14379-201). The trial is sponsored by Imvax Inc., a biotechnology company focused on the development of innovative immunotherapies for the treatment of cancer. The trial involves developing personalized cancer immunotherapies based on the unique genetic and molecular characteristics of individual patient’s tumors. Tumor profiles are analyzed to identify specific neoantigens, the unique protein fragments derived from mutations in the tumor cells. These neoantigens can act as targets to help the immune system recognize cancer cells.

Glioblastoma tumors often possess immune suppressive mechanisms, making them resistant to conventional treatments that directly target cancer cells. Imvax 14379-201 is designed to test a personalized immunotherapy approach that works similarly to a vaccine by stimulating the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells more effectively while minimizing damage to healthy tissue. This study brings state-of-the-art personalized therapy for highly aggressive brain cancer to the community and is currently the only site with this therapy in the tri-state area.

Newly diagnosed, resectable glioblastoma patients aged 18-70 may qualify for the Imvax 14379-201 trial.

To learn more about this clinical trial, contact the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center's Clinical Trials office at 513-584-7698 or email Lung&BrainResearchCoordinators@ucmail.uc.edu to reach our clinical research staff. You can also find the trial on clinicaltrials.gov or the High Enroll app.