Vaccine to target KRAS-mutated colorectal cancer
Optimization of an active mutant KRAS peptide vaccine in colorectal cancer
This project uses a vaccine made from mutant KRAS peptides together with immune checkpoint drugs for people with advanced KRAS‑mutated colorectal cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11252321 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would receive a vaccine made of several long peptides that match common KRAS mutations along with immune checkpoint medicines (nivolumab and ipilimumab). The team will measure safety, the strength of KRAS‑specific CD4 and CD8 T cell responses, and any effects on tumors. Researchers will optimize the vaccine formulation, dose, and schedule to try to improve T cell infiltration into tumors and overcome immune suppression. The work builds on an ongoing pilot where the vaccine produced strong KRAS‑specific T cell responses.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with metastatic, microsatellite‑stable colorectal cancer that carries one of the targeted KRAS mutations and who have progressed after standard chemotherapy.
Not a fit: People without KRAS mutations, those with microsatellite‑instability‑high tumors, or patients unable to receive immunotherapy are unlikely to benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could help the immune system better attack KRAS‑mutant tumors and make checkpoint drugs work for patients who currently do not benefit.
How similar studies have performed: Early pilot data from the team's ongoing trial (NCT04117087) show the vaccine safely induced strong KRAS‑specific CD4 and CD8 T cell responses, though clinical benefit is still being determined.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Azad, Nilofer S. — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Azad, Nilofer S.
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.