NCT07539155 · University of Arkansas
Intratumoral MMR Vaccine Injection in Borderline Resectable/Unresectable Pancreatic Cancer
What this study is about
By doing this study, it is the hope to learn whether an injection of the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine developed by Merck \& Co. (Merck's M-M-R® II) into the tumor is safe and effective in making the tumor smaller.
View original scientific description
By doing this study, it is the hope to learn whether an injection of the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine developed by Merck \& Co. (Merck's M-M-R® II) into the tumor is safe and effective in making the tumor smaller.
Interventions
BIOLOGICAL
Intratumoral MMR Injection
A single dose (0.5 mililiter) of MMR vaccine will be injected under endoscopic ultrasound guidance in the GI laboratory at UAMS under sedation as prescribed by the interventional gastroenterologist. The injection will be at least 6 weeks but no later than 12 weeks post completion of chemo-radiation therapy.
Primary outcome measures
Intratumoral T-Cell Response
Time frame: Baseline to 4 weeks post injection
Intratumoral T-cell Response (iTCR) will be defined as a change of greater than 2-fold increase in the frequency of IFNγ-positive T- cells in the repeat (4 week) tumor biopsy relative to the first (baseline) tumor biopsy. Each subject will be scored Yes or No for if they achieved iTCR. Subjects that decline the repeat tumor biopsy will be scored Not Evaluable (NE) for iTCR.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Age ≥ 18 years.
- Pathologically proven locally advanced adenocarcinoma of pancreas.
- Borderline resectable pancreatic cancer that is determined to be unresectable following completion of SoC chemotherapy and RT as evidenced by any of the following:
- Encasement of gastroduodenal artery up to the common hepatic artery/short segment encasement or abutment of the hepatic artery, but without extension to the celiac trunk.
- Venous involvement of SMV or portal vein, less than 180 degrees.
- Tumor abutment of SMA, less than half the circumference of the vessel wall. OR Unresectable pancreatic cancer that remains unresectable following completion of SoC chemotherapy and RT as evidenced by any of the following:
- Greater than 180-degree encasement or occlusion/thrombus of SMA, unresectable SMV, or SMV-portal confluence occlusion.
- Direct involvement of inferior vena cava, aorta, celiac trunk, or hepatic artery, as defined by the absence of fat plane between low-density tumor and these structures on CT scan. OR Surgeon deems that the pancreatic cancer is unresectable.
- Prior history of treatment with chemotherapy (e.g., FOLFIRINOX, Gemcitabine + Abraxane or NALIRIFOX \[liposomal irinotecan (Nal-IRI or Onivyde®), Nab Paclitaxel, 5 fluorouracil (5-FU)/leucovorin and oxaliplatin\]) and RT. The chemotherapy regimen is per treating physician's choice. The chemotherapy agent for radio sensitization is up to the treating physician (capecitabine, 5FU or gemcitabine). a. The chemo-radiation therapy regimen should be completed at least 6 weeks but no more than 12 weeks from planned Day 1.
- Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of 0-1.
- Adequate hematological function (Hemoglobin \> 9g/dL, White Blood Cell (WBC) count \> 1500 K/µL, Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC) \> 500 K/µL, Platelet count \> 100 K/µL).
- Adequate hepatic function (Total bilirubin ≤ 1.5 x institutional upper limit of normal \[ULN\]) (Note: In subjects with Gilbert's syndrome, if total bilirubin is \>1.5 × ULN, measure direct and indirect bilirubin and if direct bilirubin is ≤ 1.5 × ULN, subject is eligible); Aspartate aminotransferase (AST\[SGOT\]) or Alanine aminotransferase (ALT\[SGPT\]) ≤ 2.5 × institutional ULN; Serum albumin ≥ 3.0 g/dL.
- Adequate renal function (i.e., creatinine less than 1.5 times ULN).
Exclusion criteria
- Pancreatic cancer that was either resectable before SoC treatment or became resectable following SoC chemotherapy and RT.
- Subjects with radiographically proven metastatic disease are excluded.
- Subject must not be pregnant and/or currently breastfeeding or plan to be.
- Subject must not have received any live vaccine, including MMR, within 30 days prior to the dose of study drug.
- Subject must not have treatment with any anti-cancer therapy including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, biological, immunotherapy or an investigational therapy, including targeted small molecule agents, within 5 half-lives (or 2 weeks if half-life is unknown) prior to day 1.
- Subject has no unresolved toxicities, AEs ≥ Grade 2 (NCI CTCAE version 5.0), from prior anticancer therapy.
- Any other condition that, in the opinion of the investigator, might interfere with the safe conduct of the study.
Where
- Little Rock, Arkansas
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Sep 1, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations