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NCT04248569 · Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins

DNAJB1-PRKACA Fusion Kinase Peptide Vaccine Combined With Nivolumab and Ipilimumab for Patients With Fibrolamellar Hepatocellular Carcinoma

What this study is about

The primary objective of the trial is the safety and how well patients handle the treatment of administering a vaccine targeting the DNAJB1-PRKACA fusion kinase, in combination with nivolumab and ipilimumab in patients with unresectable or metastatic FLC and with non-FLC solid tumors and to assess the T-cell response.

View original scientific description

The primary objective of the trial is the safety and tolerability of administering a vaccine targeting the DNAJB1-PRKACA fusion kinase, in combination with nivolumab and ipilimumab in patients with unresectable or metastatic FLC and with non-FLC solid tumors and to assess the T-cell response.

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

  • for Cohort A, B and C:
  • Cohort A and B: Must have histologically confirmed FLC (fibrolamellar hepatocellular cancer) that is metastatic or unresectable.
  • Cohort C: Patients with histologically proven metastatic or unresectable DNAJB1-PRKACA fusion transcript positive solid tumor malignancies, non-FLC solid tumors.
  • Cohort A and B: Age \> 12 years. Note: Subjects age \> 12 years but \<18 are eligible to enroll only after 6 adult patients have enrolled on the study.
  • Cohort A and B: Patients \< 18 years old must have a body weight ≥40 kg.
  • Cohort C: Patients must be Age ≥ 18 years. All Cohorts:
  • Presence of DNAJB1-PRKACA fusion transcript, assessed by RNA-sequencing, DNA-sequencing, or in situ hybridization in the archival tissue.
  • ECOG performance status of ≤2 (Karnofsky ≥60%)
  • Patients must have adequate liver, kidney and marrow function defined by study-specified laboratory tests prior to initial study drug.
  • Patients must have measurable disease per RECIST 1.1.
  • Must be willing to provide tissue and blood samples for mandatory translational research.
  • Woman of childbearing potential must have a negative pregnancy test and follow contraceptive guidelines as defined per protocol.
  • 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, B and C:
  • Cohort A and C: Patients with a history of prior treatment with checkpoint inhibitors, such as anti-PD-1, anti-PD-L1, anti-PD-L2, anti-CD137, anti-OX-40, anti-CD40, anti-CTLA-4, or anti-LAG-3 antibodies. NOTE: Prior therapy with interferon-alpha is allowed.
  • Cohort B: Participants a with history of unacceptable, life-threatening toxicity related to prior immune therapy (eg, anti-CTLA-4 or anti-PD-1/PD-L1 treatment, any other antibody or drug specifically targeting T-cell co-stimulation or immune checkpoint pathways) except those that are unlikely to re-occur with standard countermeasures (eg, hormone replacement after endocrinopathy). All Cohorts:
  • Have had chemotherapy or other systemic therapy or radiotherapy, as follows:
  • Have had chemotherapy, biological cancer therapy, or radiation 14 days prior to the first dose of study drug.
  • Have had surgery within 28 days of dosing of investigational agent, excluding minor procedures (dental work, skin biopsy, etc.), celiac plexus block, and biliary stent placement.
  • Have received other approved or investigational agents or device within 28 days of the first dose of study drug.
  • Have not recovered from acute adverse events to grade ≤1 or baseline due to agents administered.
  • Have received any non-oncology live vaccine therapy used for prevention of infectious diseases within 28 days of study treatment
  • Known sensitivity to or history of allergic reactions to investigational drug (s).
  • Hypersensitivity reaction to any monoclonal antibody.
  • Has active autoimmune disease that has required systemic treatment in the past 2 years, or a documented history of clinically severe autoimmune disease, or a syndrome that requires systemic steroids or immunosuppressive agents.
  • Presence of any tissue or organ allograft, regardless of need for immunosuppression, including corneal allograft. Patients with a history of allogeneic hematopoeitic stem cell transplant will be excluded.
  • Has a diagnosis of immunodeficiency.
  • Systemic treatment with either corticosteroids (\>10 mg daily prednisone equivalents) or other immunosuppressive medications within 7 days of study drug administration.
  • Symptomatic interstitial lung disease.
  • Has a pulse oximetry of \<92% on room air or is on supplemental home oxygen.
  • Active or untreated brain metastases or leptomeningeal metastases.
  • 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.
  • Are pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • Infection with HIV or hepatitis B or C.
  • Have had evidence of active or acute diverticulitis, intra-abdominal abscess, or GI obstruction.
  • Unwilling or unable to follow the study schedule for any reason.
  • Any other sound medical, psychiatric, and/or social reason as determined by the Investigator.
  • Any illicit drugs or other substance abuse.
  • Clinically meaningful ascites. Inclusion Criteria for Re-Enrolling Patients:
  • Patients previously treated with the vaccine targeting the DNAJB1-PRKACA fusion kinase in combination with nivolumab and ipilimumab, who, in the opinion of the principal investigator, had clinical or radiological benefits.
  • Patients \< 18 years old must have a body weight ≥40 kg.
  • ECOG performance status of ≤2 (Karnofsky ≥60%, see Appendix A).
  • Patients must have adequate liver, kidney and marrow function defined by study-specified laboratory tests prior to initial study drug.
  • Patients must have measurable disease per RECIST 1.1.
  • Willingness to provide tissue and blood samples for mandatory translational research.
  • Woman of childbearing potential must have a negative pregnancy test and follow contraceptive guidelines as defined per protocol.
  • 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 Re-Enrolling Patients:
  • Participants with a history of prior unacceptable and/or life-threatening toxicities.
  • Patients who have had chemotherapy or other systemic therapy or radiotherapy, as follows:
  • Patients who have had chemotherapy, biological cancer therapy, or radiation 14 days prior to the first dose of study drug.
  • Patients who have had surgery within 28 days of dosing of investigational agent, excluding minor procedures (dental work, skin biopsy, etc.), celiac plexus block, and biliary stent placement.
  • Patients who have received other approved or investigational agents or device within 28 days of the first dose of study drug.
  • Patients who have not recovered from acute adverse events to grade ≤1 or baseline due to agents administered, with exception of alopecia or stable neuropathy, unless approved by the IND Sponsor.
  • Patients who have received any non-oncology live vaccine therapy used for prevention of infectious diseases within 28 days of study treatment.
  • Known sensitivity to or history of allergic reactions to investigational drug (s).
  • Hypersensitivity reaction to any monoclonal antibody.
  • Has active autoimmune disease that has required systemic treatment in the past 2 years, or a documented history of clinically severe autoimmune disease, or a syndrome that requires systemic steroids or immunosuppressive agents.
  • Has active autoimmune disease that has required systemic treatment in the past 2 years, or a documented history of clinically severe autoimmune disease, or a syndrome that requires systemic steroids or immunosuppressive agents.
  • Presence of any tissue or organ allograft, regardless of need for immunosuppression, including corneal allograft. Patients with a history of allogeneic hematopoeitic stem cell transplant will be excluded.
  • Has a diagnosis of immunodeficiency.
  • Systemic treatment with either corticosteroids (\>10 mg daily prednisone equivalents) or other immunosuppressive medications within 7 days of study drug administration.
  • Symptomatic interstitial lung disease.
  • Has a pulse oximetry of \<92% on room air or is on supplemental home oxygen.
  • Active or untreated brain metastases or leptomeningeal metastases.
  • 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.
  • Are pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • Infection with HIV or hepatitis B or C.
  • Have had evidence of active or acute diverticulitis, intra-abdominal abscess, or GI obstruction.
  • Unwilling or unable to follow the study schedule for any reason.
  • Any other sound medical, psychiatric, and/or social reason as determined by the Investigator.
  • Any illicit drugs or other substance abuse.
  • Clinically meaningful ascites.

Where

  • Baltimore, Maryland

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 Dec 3, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations

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1 of 56 participants interested
2% interest

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What participation can include

  • Study-related care provided by the research team
  • Close monitoring by medical professionals
  • Possible compensation for time and travel*
  • The option to withdraw at any time
  • Contributing to medical research that may help future patients

*Compensation varies by study. Confirm details with coordinator.

Typical next steps

  1. 1.Submit this form
  2. 2.Phone screening
  3. 3.In-person assessment if eligible
  4. 4.Begin participation

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Looking for Fibrolamellar Hepatocellular Carcinoma (FLC) Treatment in Baltimore?

Join others in Maryland exploring innovative treatment options through clinical research

Fibrolamellar Hepatocellular Carcinoma (FLC) Treatment Options in Baltimore, Maryland

If you're searching for Fibrolamellar Hepatocellular Carcinoma (FLC) treatment in Baltimore, participating in a clinical research study may provide access to innovative approaches under expert medical supervision. This study is actively recruiting participants in Baltimore and surrounding areas.

Clinical trials offer participants the opportunity to receive cutting-edge treatments while contributing to medical research that may help future patients with Fibrolamellar Hepatocellular Carcinoma (FLC). All study-related care is provided at no cost to participants.

Local Sites
1 locations in Maryland
Now Enrolling
Up to 56 participants
Quick Start
Screening available now

Why Consider a Clinical Trial for Fibrolamellar Hepatocellular Carcinoma (FLC)?

Potential Benefits

  • Access to new treatment approaches before public availability
  • Close monitoring by experienced medical professionals
  • Study-related care provided at no cost
  • Contribute to medical research for Fibrolamellar Hepatocellular Carcinoma (FLC)

What to Expect

  • Initial screening to determine eligibility
  • Regular check-ups and monitoring visits
  • Possible compensation for time and travel
  • You can withdraw at any time

Frequently Asked Questions About This Fibrolamellar Hepatocellular Carcinoma (FLC) Study

Important Clinical Trial Information

This information is provided for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Clinical trial participation involves potential risks and benefits. Eligibility requirements apply and will be assessed during the screening process.

Study identifier: NCT04248569. For complete study details, visit ClinicalTrials.gov. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making decisions about your medical care or participating in clinical research.