Peptide vaccine targeting CMV for children with high-grade glioma, DIPG, and recurrent medulloblastoma
Phase 2 trial of a novel peptide vaccine targeting CMV antigen for newly diagnosed pediatric high grade glioma and diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma and recurrent medulloblastoma
This vaccine trains the immune system to target a viral protein (CMV pp65) that is often found in certain pediatric brain tumors to help slow or shrink the tumor.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11177623 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would receive a series of peptide vaccine injections called PEP-CMV designed to teach your immune system to recognize the CMV pp65 protein found in many high-grade gliomas, DIPG, and recurrent medulloblastomas. The trial enrolls children and young adults with newly diagnosed HGG or DIPG or with recurrent medulloblastoma and follows them over time with blood tests and MRI scans. The team previously gave this vaccine in a Phase I group and saw immune responses in most patients and some cases of stable disease or partial tumor shrinkage without severe toxicities. Study doctors will closely monitor safety, immune response markers, and tumor imaging during and after the vaccine series.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Children and young adults with newly diagnosed high-grade glioma or DIPG, or with recurrent medulloblastoma who meet the trial's medical criteria and can travel for vaccinations and follow-up are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients whose tumors do not express the CMV pp65 protein, who are medically unstable, or who have immune conditions that prevent vaccination may not benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the vaccine could help the immune system slow tumor growth or shrink tumors, potentially prolonging survival and reducing reliance on more toxic treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Early Phase I results showed immune responses in about 75% of participants and some disease stabilization or partial responses, so the approach is promising but still experimental.
Where this research is happening
Durham, United States
- Duke University — Durham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Landi, Daniel Bryce — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Landi, Daniel Bryce
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.