NCT07658196 · Brown University
TLR9 Immunotherapy for Peritoneal Carcinomatosis
(TIPC)
What this study is about
The goal of this clinical trial is to determine the safety and effectiveness of of ACM-CpG for inoperable peritoneal metastases or malignant ascites.
View original scientific description
The goal of this clinical trial is to determine the safety and efficacy of of ACM-CpG for inoperable peritoneal metastases or malignant ascites. The main questions it aims to answer are: • To determine the safety and maximum tolerated dose (MTD) or optimal biologic dose (OBD) of intraperitoneal injection(s) of ACM-CpG for inoperable peritoneal metastases or malignant ascites? Researchers will assign treatment levels using escalating doses of ACM-CpG Therapy. Participants will: * Will receive at least one dose of ACM-CpG therapy on Day 1 of a 28-day treatment cycle. * May receive up to 2 additional injections if they have clinically stable or responsive disease. * Must visit the clinic on Days 1, 4, 7, 10, 14, 21, and 28 for checkups and tests. * Will have a CT scan or MRI performed every 8 weeks for 3 scans and then continue to receive scans every 12 weeks to monitor their disease.
Interventions
DRUG
ACM-CpG
The dose of ACM-CpG therapy to be infused by intraperitoneal injection will be dependent upon the dose level being delivered at the time of patient enrollment. Dose Levels C1D1 ACM-CpG Dose -1a (step down dose) 0.1 mg 1. (starting dose) 0.25 mg 2. 0.5 mg 3. 1.0 mg 4. 2.0 mg 5. 4.0 mg 6. 8.0 mg 7. (optional) 10.0 mg
Primary outcome measures
Incidence of Treatment-Emergent Adverse Events [Safety and Tolerability]
Time frame: From enrollment to 30 days post the last dose of ACM-CpG
includes dose limiting toxicities (DLTs), Serious adverse events (SAEs), hospitalizations, CRS, neurotoxicity, and clinically significant laboratory abnormalities
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
- Patients eligible for inclusion in this study must meet all of the following criteria:
- Male or female patients age ≥ 18 years of age at the time of informed consent
- Must be able to provide written informed consent, stating an understanding of the procedures and investigational nature of the study treatment, and willingness to comply with study requirements
- Must have documented CRC or appendiceal adenocarcinoma peritoneal carcinomatosis or malignant ascites. Primary tumor may be intact and limited liver and/or lung disease is permitted
- Must have evaluable disease by physical examination, serum tumor markers, radiologic assessment, or laparoscopic visual assessment
- Must have a life expectancy of ≥ 12 weeks as estimated by the investigator
- Must have an ECOG status of ≤ 2
- Patients with acceptable laboratory values defined as:
- Estimated creatinine clearance (calculated using Cockcroft-Gault formula, or measured) ≥ 60 mL/min, not dialysis dependent
- Total bilirubin ≤ 1.5 mg/dl, unless elevated bilirubin is clearly related to Gilbert syndrome (and total bilirubin \< 6.0 mg/dl)
- Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ≤ 3.5 x upper limit of normal (ULN)
- Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) ≤ 3.5 x ULN
- Absolute neutrophil count \> 1.0 x 109/L (must be independent of blood product administration)
- Platelet count \> 100 x 109/L (must be independent of blood product administration)
- Hemoglobin ≥ 8 g/dL (must be independent of blood product administration)
- Surgically sterile patients or patients of childbearing potential (CBP) who agree to use highly effective methods of contraception during study dosing and for 6 months after last dose of study drug
- All other relevant medical conditions must be well-managed and stable, in the opinion of the investigator, for at least 28 days prior to administration of study drug
Exclusion criteria
- Has received prior TLR9 therapy
- Has received chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or biological cancer therapy within 21 days or 5 half-lives (whichever is shorter) of the start of treatment
- Has received an investigational agent within 28 days of the start of treatment
- Has received a commercial vaccine (flu, COVID, etc.) within 2 weeks of C1D1
- Has any unresolved toxicity ≥ Grade 2 from previous anti-cancer therapy, except for stable chronic toxicities (≤ Grade 3) that are not expected to resolve
- Has a history of histologically confirmed metastases outside of the peritoneal cavity, liver, or lungs
- Has high volume liver or lung metastases, defined as \> 50% replacement of the liver volume by metastatic disease or \> 5 lung lesions greater than 1 cm in size
- Tumor causing biliary obstruction not amenable to stenting or percutaneous drainage
- Ongoing or untreated intra-abdominal infection or bowel obstruction
- Has known, clinically active Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), or Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) (Note: Testing is not required)
- Receiving continuous systemic corticosteroid therapy (≥ 10 mg/day of prednisolone or equivalent)
- Clinically significant cardiac disease or impaired cardiac function, including any of the following:
- A history of newly diagnosed transmural myocardial infarction, cerebral infarction, or pulmonary embolism within 6 months, except those approved by the medical monitor
- A history of newly diagnosed deep vein thrombosis (DVT) within 3 months
- Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) \< 50%
- QTc \>480 msec
- Active bacterial, viral, or fungal infection: patients with ongoing use of prophylactic antibiotics, antiviral agents, or antifungal agents remain eligible as long as there is no evidence of active infection
- Other active malignancy within 2 years excluding cutaneous squamous or basal cell carcinomas
- Any medical condition that would, in the investigator's judgment, prevent the patient's participation in the clinical study due to safety concerns, compliance with clinical study procedures or interpretation of study results
- History of hypersensitivity to TLR9 agonists
- Pregnant, likely to become pregnant, or lactating women (where pregnancy is defined as the state of a female after conception and until the termination of gestation)
Where
- Providence, Rhode Island
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 Aug 27, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations