Cemiplimab with or without Fianlimab for older patients with advanced colorectal cancer
Official title: Evaluating a Surgical-Sparing Approach Using Cemiplimab With or Without Fianlimab to Treat Older Patients With Localized or Locally Advanced MSI-H Colorectal Cancer
Run by Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins · NCT06205836 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing whether a new combination of two immunotherapy drugs can help older patients with advanced colorectal cancer feel better and improve their treatment outcomes.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 2 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 44 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | radiation, cemiplimab, fianlimab |
| Locations | 1 site (Baltimore, Maryland) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 13, 2024 |
| Main results expected | May 2030 |
| Study ends | May 2030 |
| Registry record updated | May 6, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06205836 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are patients aged 70 or older with localized or locally advanced microsatellite unstable colorectal cancer who have not received prior systemic treatment.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who have received prior systemic treatment or radiation for their colorectal cancer may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the safety and effectiveness of cemiplimab alone and in combination with fianlimab for treating localized or locally advanced microsatellite unstable colorectal cancer in patients aged 70 and older. Participants will undergo endoscopic and CT surveillance for 24 months and must agree to tumor biopsies. The study aims to determine the clinical activity of these immunotherapy agents in a population that has not received prior systemic treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a new treatment option for older patients with advanced colorectal cancer, potentially improving their outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promise with immunotherapy approaches in colorectal cancer, particularly in microsatellite unstable cases, suggesting potential for success in this study.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria for Cohort A and B: * Age ≥70 years. * Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status 0 -2 * Have histologically proven localized or locally advanced mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) or microsatellite unstable (MSI-H) colorectal cancer. * Must not have received any prior systemic treatment or radiation. * Must be agreeable to endoscopic, and CT surveillance for a total of 24 months. * Patient's acceptance to have a tumor biopsy. * Patients must have adequate organ and marrow function defined by study-specified laboratory tests and procedures. * LVEF assessment with documented LVEF ≥ 45% by either TTE or MUGA (TTE preferred) within 6 months from first study drug administration. * For both Women and Men, must use acceptable form of birth control while on study. * Ability to understand and willingness to sign a written informed consent document. Inclusion Criteria for Cohort C and D: * Age ≥18 years. * Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status 0 -3. * Have histologically proven localized or locally advanced mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) or microsatellite unstable (MSI-H) colorectal cancer. * Patient deemed a poor surgical candidate after evaluation by a surgeon or unwilling to undergo surgery. * Must not have received any prior systemic treatment or radiation. * Must be agreeable to endoscopic, and CT surveillance for a total of 24 months. * Patient's acceptance to have a tumor biopsy. * Patients must have adequate organ and marrow function defined by study-specified laboratory tests and procedures. * For both Women and Men, must use acceptable form of birth control while on study. * Ability to understand and willingness to sign a written informed consent document. Exclusion Criteria for Cohorts A and B: * Have received an investigational agent or used an investigational device within 28 days of the first dose of study drug. * Have expected to require any other form of systemic or localized antineoplastic therapy while on study. * Have had surgery within 28 days of dosing of investigational agent, excluding minor procedures (dental work, skin biopsy, etc.). * History of prior treatment with an anti-PD-1, anti-PD-L1, anti-PD-L2, anti-CTLA4, or anti-Lag-3 antibodies for any reason in the 5 years proceeding their colorectal cancer diagnosis. * Currently using any chronic systemic steroids. * Patient has received a live vaccine within 30 days of the first dose of study drug. * History of severe hypersensitivity reaction to any monoclonal antibody. * Uncontrolled intercurrent illness including, but not limited to, uncontrolled infection, symptomatic congestive heart failure, unstable angina, cardiac arrhythmia, metastatic cancer, or psychiatric illness/social situations that would limit compliance with study requirements. * Active autoimmune disease. * Any tissue or organ allograft, regardless of need for immunosuppression, including corneal allograft. * Patient has a pulse oximetry of \<92% on room air. * Patient is on supplemental home oxygen. * Has clinically significant heart disease. * Cohort B Only: Troponin T (TnT) or troponin I (TnI) \> 2x institutional ULN at baseline. * Conditions, including alcohol or drug dependence, intercurrent illness, or lack of sufficient peripheral venous access, that would affect the patient's ability to comply with study visits and procedures. * Unwilling or unable to follow the study schedule for any reason Exclusion for Cohort C and D: * Have received an investigational agent or used an investigational device within 28 days of the first dose of study drug. * Have expected to require any other form of systemic or localized antineoplastic therapy while on study. * Currently using any chronic systemic steroids. * Patient has received a live vaccine within 30 days of the first dose of study drug. * History of severe hypersensitivity reaction to any monoclonal antibody. * Any tissue or organ allograft, regardless of need for immunosuppression, including corneal allograft. * Patient is pregnant or breastfeeding. * Cohort D Only: Troponin T (TnT) or troponin I (TnI) \> 2x institutional ULN at baseline. * Conditions, including alcohol or drug dependence, intercurrent illness, or lack of sufficient peripheral venous access, that would affect the patient's ability to comply with study visits and procedures. * Participation deemed not in the best interest of the patient. * Unwilling or unable to follow the study schedule for any reason.
Where it's running
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Johns Hopkins SKCCC
Baltimore, Maryland, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Eric Christenson, MD — Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center Johns Hopkins Medical Institution
- Study coordinator: Colleen Apostal, RN
- Email: GIClinicalTrials@jhmi.edu
- Phone: 410-614-3644
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.