Chordoma Clinical Trials
Here are the 6 most popular medical studies for chordoma
Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor
Nilotinib + Radiation for Chordoma
This trial is testing a drug, nilotinib, to see if it can help shrink tumors when used with radiation therapy. Researchers want to see if it is safe and what the highest dose is that can be given without causing severe side effects.
Cancer Vaccine
GI-6301 Vaccine (Yeast- Brachyury) +1 More for Chordoma
TRIAL SUMMARY Researchers at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) are now enrolling patients in a phase 2 clinical trial to determine whether the yeast-brachyury vaccine GI-6301 improves the effectiveness of radiation for patients with localized chordoma. Chordoma patients with inoperable or residual tumor who do not have metastases and are planning to be treated with definitive (>70Gy) radiation are eligible to participate. Patients will initially be randomized to receive radiation plus the vaccine or radiation plus a blinded placebo. Those randomized to receive radiation plus placebo will have the option to receive vaccine if their tumor grows while on the study. The study will compare the outcomes of patients treated with radiation with and without the vaccine to determine whether the vaccine can increase the chances of shrinking the tumor and/or preventing further tumor growth. WHY THIS TRIAL IS BEING DONE The primary treatment options for chordoma currently consist of surgery and high dose radiation. Radiation has been shown to improve patient outcomes following surgery. Radiation is also sometimes used instead of surgery when surgery would carry unacceptable risks. The chance of tumor growth after radiation is significantly higher for patients who have residual tumor than for those whose tumor is completely removed. Unfortunately for patients with a tumor that cannot be completely removed, there tends to be a short time until the tumor grows back and eventually causes death. For this reason, our team at the NCI seeks to identify a therapy that can reduce the risk of recurrence and improve survival after radiation for patients who have residual tumor. One approach we are pursuing is treating patients with a therapeutic vaccine that is intended to stimulate the immune system to fight cancer cells that express the brachyury protein. Brachyury is present at very high levels in nearly all chordomas but is not present in the vast majority of normal tissues, making it a promising target for immune therapy. Research in other cancers suggests that radiation in combination with immune therapy can provide powerful antitumor effects. We have recently completed a phase 1 clinical trial of a therapeutic vaccine targeting brachyury called GI-6301 in which 11 chordoma patients participated. Through that phase I trial, we learned that this vaccine can be given safely without serious adverse reactions. In that study, the vaccine was also capable of inducing immune responses against brachyury and one patient had his tumor shrink more than 30% while on study. Some other patients (7 of 10 evaluable) also had stable disease for more than 5 months while on study. However, these clinical findings are not definitive and further clinical testing is required to determine the benefit of this vaccine in chordoma. To that end, we have designed a larger phase 2 clinical trial intended to determine if this vaccine, when given in combination with radiation, improves outcomes for patients with chordoma compared to those who only have radiation. WHO CAN PARTICIPATE We have designed this trial for patients who have residual tumor remaining after surgery, who are unable to have surgery, or who have a local recurrence following previous treatment. To be eligible for enrollment on this study, patients must: Have a confirmed diagnosis of chordoma Have only localized tumor (no metastases) Be able to receive at least 70 Gy of radiation to their localized tumor Be willing to travel to Bethesda, MD for treatment and follow-up visits HOW THE TRIAL WILL WORK The trial is taking place at the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center in Bethesda, MD. The NCI will pay for transportation costs (including airfare) and a portion of lodging costs for patients after enrollment in this study. The process of participating in the trial is as follows: Patients travel to NIH to receive injections of the vaccine (or placebo) every other week for three doses prior to starting radiation (approximately 4 weeks) Patients then complete their radiation treatment with their home radiation oncologist (typically over a 1-2 month timespan) Following completion of radiation treatment plan, patients travel back to NIH to resume vaccine (or placebo) injections every 2 weeks until 6 total doses have been given (3 doses after radiation, another 4 weeks) At that point, doses spread out to every 4 weeks for 4 doses, and then 1 dose every 3 months until disease progression. Between all doses of vaccine, patients may return home and travel back for the next visit. There is no requirement to stay locally in Bethesda at any point in the study outside of clinic visits and dosing days. Repeat imaging studies will be performed about 3 months after completion of radiatio...
Popular filter options for chordoma trials
Chordoma Clinical Trials With No Placebo
View 17 chordoma medical studies that do not have a placebo group.
Checkpoint Inhibitor
Nivolumab +/− Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Chordoma
This trial is studying nivolumab with or without SRS to treat patients with chordoma. Nivolumab is a monoclonal antibody that may interfere with the ability of tumor cells to grow and spread. SRS is a specialized radiation therapy that delivers a single, high dose of radiation directly to the tumor.
Monoclonal Antibodies
FAZ053 + PDR001 for Cancer
This trial is testing a new cancer drug, FAZ053, to see if it is safe and effective when given alone or with another drug, PDR001. The trial will test different doses of FAZ053 to see what the maximum tolerated dose is.
View More Chordoma Trials
See another 2 medical studies focused on chordoma.
Frequently Asked Questions
Introduction to chordoma
What are the top hospitals conducting chordoma research?
When it comes to pioneering clinical trials in the realm of chordoma research, several prominent hospitals are leading the charge. In Boston's medical landscape, Massachusetts General Hospital stands out with five ongoing chordoma trials, contributing to a total of nine conducted studies since their first trial was recorded in 1999. The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, another renowned facility in the city, is currently conducting three active chordoma trials while having completed four previous investigations since their inaugural trial in 1999 as well. Not to be overlooked is New york City's Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, where researchers are actively exploring this rare bone cancer through three ongoing clinical trials and have previously carried out four additional studies following their initial involvement with chordoma research also back in 1999.
Boston Children's Hospital plays an important role too by delving into two current chordoma trials while holding a record for two prior investigations; they commenced their journey towards understanding this condition only last year in 2020. Meanwhile, Mayo Clinic - Jacksonville contributes significantly from Florida with its two active chordoma trials and two historically held investigations; theirs can be traced back six years ago when they initiated their first trial specifically targeting this disease.
These esteemed hospitals demonstrate not only dedication but also remarkable progress toward unraveling the complexities of chordoma—providing hope for those affected by this rare form of bone cancer. Together, these institutions offer a beacon of optimism that every step forward brings us closer to improved treatments and ultimately finding a cure for patients battling this challenging condition across the nation
Which are the best cities for chordoma clinical trials?
Boston, Massachusetts; Los Angeles, California; and Anchorage, Alaska are recognized as leading cities for chordoma clinical trials. Boston takes the lead with 12 active studies focused on investigating treatments like Tazemetostat, Nivolumab, and TAEK-VAC-HerBy. Los Angeles follows closely behind with 9 ongoing trials studying options such as Nivolumab, BCA101, and Arm B (atezolizumab, tiragolumab). Anchorage also demonstrates promising research efforts with 8 active trials primarily exploring the use of Nivolumab in treatment approaches. These cities offer individuals diagnosed with chordoma invaluable access to cutting-edge clinical trials that drive advancements in care and provide hope for improved outcomes.
Which are the top treatments for chordoma being explored in clinical trials?
Exciting advancements are taking place in clinical trials for chordoma, with several promising treatments at the forefront. Nivolumab leads the pack with three ongoing trials and a total of six all-time chordoma trials since its debut in 2017. Tazemetostat follows closely behind, showing potential in two active and two all-time chordoma studies since 2015. Cetuximab, TAEK-VAC-HerBy, and FAZ053 also show promise, each being explored in one active trial along with their respective all-time chordoma trial records. As researchers delve deeper into these innovative treatments, hope grows brighter for patients battling this rare cancerous tumor originating from bone or soft tissue.
What are the most recent clinical trials for chordoma?
Recent clinical trials offer hope for patients with chordoma, a rare type of cancer that develops in the bones of the skull and spine. One promising study is investigating the effectiveness of tazemetostat, which has shown potential in both Phase 1 and Phase 2 trials. Another trial focuses on Arm B, combining atezolizumab and tiragolumab to explore their impact on chordoma treatment. Additionally, cetuximab and nivolumab have demonstrated encouraging results in separate Phase 2 studies. These advancements provide new possibilities for improving outcomes and quality of life for individuals affected by this challenging disease.
What chordoma clinical trials were recently completed?
Recently completed clinical trials for chordoma have made significant strides in advancing treatment options for this challenging condition. In September 2019, the John Wayne Cancer Institute concluded a trial investigating the efficacy of Pemetrexed. Additionally, in October 2018, Bavarian Nordic completed a trial evaluating BN-Brachyury in combination with radiation therapy. Another noteworthy study was conducted by Intensity Therapeutics, Inc., who wrapped up their investigation into INT230-6 in February 2017. These recent advancements offer hope and highlight the dedication of researchers to find innovative solutions for patients with chordoma.