NCT06218303 · Finn, Olivera, PhD
Prototype DAA/TAA Vaccine Targeting MUC1 for Immune Interception and Prevention in Ductal Carcinoma In Situ
What this study is about
Women with biopsy-proven ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) will be enrolled into two cohorts. One group of participants will receive neoadjuvant therapy with an aromatase inhibitor or selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) for about 12 weeks prior to surgery at 12 weeks.
View original scientific description
Women with biopsy-proven ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) will be enrolled into two cohorts. One cohort will receive neoadjuvant therapy with an aromatase inhibitor or selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) for about 12 weeks prior to surgery at 12 weeks. The second cohort will receive neoadjuvant therapy with an aromatase inhibitor or selective estrogen receptor modulator and MUC1 vaccination (MUC1 peptide + Hiltonol®) pre-operatively at baseline, and weeks 2 and 10, followed by surgery at about 12 weeks. Patients in the vaccine cohort will be offered an optional boost vaccine 6 months after surgery.
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
- Females, 18 years of age or older. Pre-menopausal women must use an effective method of contraception during the study.
- Capable of providing informed consent and willing to comply with study procedures
- Biopsy-proven ER+ DCIS
- The signed pathology report from the attending pathologist will be used to determine eligibility
- Sufficient amount of DCIS remaining in the diagnostic core biopsy block(s) and available for research
- Patients with DCIS suspicious for microinvasion on core biopsy will be eligible because many of these patients will not have invasion on final pathology
- Women presenting with concurrent bilateral DCIS are eligible only if both the right and left DCIS lesions are ER+, and tissue from both sides will be analyzed and must meet the criteria below
- DCIS must be ≥ 1cm based on the extent of calcifications on mammogram, the presence of a mass on ultrasound or enhancement on MRI OR DCIS ≥ 5mm on one single core by pathologic evaluation OR DCIS \< 5mm if identified in ≥ 2 cores
- Candidate for selective estrogen receptor modulator or aromatase inhibitor
- Surgery planned as part of definitive local therapy
- ECOG PS 0-1
- Absolute neutrophil count ≥ 1.5 x 109/L
- Platelet count ≥ 100 x 109/L
- Hemoglobin ≥ 9 g/dl or ≥ 5.6 mmol/L
- Creatinine ≤ 1.5X the upper limit of normal OR creatinine clearance ≥ 60 ml/min
- Total bilirubin ≤ 1.5X the ULN; ≤ 2x ULN for patients with Gilbert's disease
- AST and ALT ≤ 2.5X ULN
- INR/PT/aPTT ≤ 1.5X ULN or within the therapeutic range if on anti-coagulation
- If pre-menopausal, negative urine or serum pregnancy test
Exclusion criteria
- Invasive breast cancer \> 1mm on pathologic evaluation
- Second malignancy within the last 5 years (definitively treated superficial non-melanoma skin cancer, melanoma in situ, cervical carcinoma in situ allowed)
- Current hormone replacement therapy, selective estrogen receptor modulator therapy, or aromatase inhibitor therapy--if yes, wash out of 30 days must occur prior to baseline biopsy for the study
- Recurrent ipsilateral DCIS
- Current steroid therapy (doses for physiologic replacement in adrenal dysfunction or for contrast allergy pre-medication for contrast allergy or similar indication allowed, topical, ocular and intranasal steroids allowed)
- Current Immunomodulator therapy (includes anti-CD20 antibodies)
- History of autoimmune disease requiring systemic immunosuppression, or active autoimmune disease. Replacement therapy with thyroxine, insulin, and physiologic corticosteroids for adrenal or pituitary insufficiency is acceptable.
- History of immune deficiency
- Active infection requiring systemic therapy
- Any medical or psychiatric condition, substance abuse disorder, medical therapy, or laboratory abnormality that might interfere with the patient's participation for the full duration of the study or compliance with the requirements of the study
- Known active hepatitis B (hepatitis B surface antigen-reactive) or hepatitis C (hepatitis C virus RNA positive). Patients who are hepatitis B core antibody positive without hepatitis B surface antigen reactivity are eligible. Patients who have antibody for hepatitis C are eligible only if hepatitis C RNA is negative by PCR.
- Known history of HIV (presence of HIV antibodies for HIV 1 and HIV 2)
- Received a live vaccine within 30 days of the first dose of treatment
- History of allergies to any component of the MUC1 vaccine or HiltonolR adjuvant
- Participation on any investigational vaccine, drug, or device trial within the last 30 days
- Pregnant or breastfeeding
Where
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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 Mar 12, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations