NCT07281768 · Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins
Capecitabine/Oxaliplatin Chemotherapy and Cemiplimab With or Without Fianlimab or REGN7075 in Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer
What this study is about
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety and clinical activity of combining cemiplimab, cemiplimab/fianlimab, or cemiplimab/REGN7075 with capecitabine/oxaliplatin (CAPOX) for the neoadjuvant treatment of patients with microsatellite stable (MSS) locally advanced rectal cancer (T2 node-positive, T3 node-negative, T3 node-positive).
View original scientific description
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety and clinical activity of combining cemiplimab, cemiplimab/fianlimab, or cemiplimab/REGN7075 with capecitabine/oxaliplatin (CAPOX) for the neoadjuvant treatment of patients with microsatellite stable (MSS) locally advanced rectal cancer (T2 node-positive, T3 node-negative, T3 node-positive).
Interventions
DRUG
Oxaliplatin
Patients will receive Oxaliplatin (130mg/m\^2 administered IV) on Day 1 of each 21 day cycle for a total of 4 cycles of treatment.
DRUG
Capecitabine
Patients will receive Capecitabine (1000mg/m\^2 administered orally) on Days 1 through 14 of each 21 day cycle for a total of 4 cycles of treatment.
DRUG
Cemiplimab
Patients will receive Cemiplimab (350 mg administered IV) on Day 1 of each 21 day cycle for a total of 4 cycles of treatment.
DRUG
Fianlimab
Patients will receive Fianlimab (1600 mg administered IV) on Day 1 of each 21 day cycle for a total of 4 cycles of treatment.
DRUG
REGN7075
Patients will receive REGN7075 (2700 mg administered IV) on Day 1 of each 21 day cycle for a total of 4 cycles of treatment.
Primary outcome measures
Pathologic complete response (pCR) rate
Time frame: 24 months
Proportion of subjects with a pathologic complete response (pCR) at the time of surgery. pCR is defined as subjects with no viable tumor cell noted on pathological evaluation of the resection specimen using the College of American Pathologists (CAP) tumor regression scoring system (CAP tumor regression score of 0).
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.
- Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status 0 - 1.
- Rectal cancer (with tumor tissue present at or below the peritoneal reflection) as determined by MRI pelvis or endoscopic ultrasound.
- Have histologically proven mismatch repair proficient (pMMR) or microsatellite stable (MSS) rectal adenocarcinoma.
- Must not have received any prior systemic treatment or radiation.
- Candidate for sphincter-sparing surgical resection after neoadjuvant therapy according to the primary surgeon.
- Patients have the following clinical staging:
- cT2 node-positive:
- T: Tumor is invading the muscularis propria but has not grown through it to the serosa
- N: At least 1 perirectal lymph node ≥5 mm and no more than 4 perirectal lymph nodes \>10 mm in short axis
- M: No evidence of metastasis
- cT3 node-negative
- T: Tumor has grown through the muscularis propria into the serosa but has not invaded nearby organs
- N: No perirectal lymph nodes ≥ 5 mm in size that suggest tumor involvement
- M: No evidence of metastasis
- cT3 node-positive
- T: Tumor has grown through the muscularis propria into the serosa but has not invaded nearby organs
- N: At least 1 perirectal lymph node ≥ 5 mm and no more than 4 perirectal lymph nodes \> 10 mm in size in short axis
- M: No evidence of metastasis
- Absence of distant metastases on CT or MRI imaging
- Patients must have adequate organ and marrow function defined by study-specified laboratory tests and procedures.
- LVEF assessment with documented LVEF ≥ 50% 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.
Exclusion criteria
- 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.
- Currently using any chronic systemic steroids.
- History of severe hypersensitivity reaction to any monoclonal antibody.
- History of encephalitis, meningitis, dementia, Parkinson's or uncontrolled seizures within 1 year prior to the first dose of study drug.
- Uncontrolled infection of HIV, HBV, HCV, or Tuberculosis.
- 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.
- 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.
- Patient is pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Unwilling or unable to follow the study schedule for any reason.
- Patient received a live vaccine within 30 days of planned start of study medication.
- Receipt of COVID-19 vaccination within 1 week of planned start of study medication or for which the planned COVID-19 vaccinations would not be completed 1 week prior to start of study medication.
- Patients with T4 disease or N2 disease (as defined by \>/= 4 lymph nodes, each greater or equal to 10 mm in short axis).
- Evidence that the tumor is adjacent to (defined as within 3 mm of) the mesorectal fascia on pre-operative MRI or endorectal ultrasound or pelvic CT scan.
- Patients with symptomatic untreated bowel obstruction due to rectal cancer.
Where
- Baltimore, Maryland
Collaborators
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals
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 Jul 1, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations