Clinical Trials

Normally, tumor cells evade T cells by expressing a checkpoint protein known as PD-L1 (left). Atezolizumab (Tecentriq) binds to PD-L1 and blocks it from binding to another checkpoint protein, PD-1 (right). This helps T cells regain their ability to kill tumor cells.

NCI clinical trial leads to atezolizumab approval for advanced alveolar soft part sarcoma

NCI and CCR researchers have played an instrumental role in identifying the first treatment approved for advanced alveolar soft part sarcoma. The immunotherapy drug atezolizumab (Tecentriq) was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of adults and children two years of age and older with alveolar soft part sarcoma that has spread to other parts of the body or cannot be removed by surgery. The CCR Pediatric Oncology Branch provided treatment and care for all trial patients under 18 years old, making this the first approval for atezolizumab in children.

Canva image of female doctor with male patient

Clinical trial researching combination drug therapy for multiple myeloma

A clinical trial led by Elizabeth M. Hill, M.D., Assistant Research Physician in the Lymphoid Malignancies Branch, is researching hematopoietic stem cell transplants and therapy for acute myeloid leukemia.

Clinical trial researching therapy for bile duct cancer

A clinical trial led by Jonathan Hernandez, M.D., Investigator in the Surgical Oncology Program, is researching a combination of immunotherapy and chemotherapy for liver-only cholangiocarcinoma.

The middle portion of the gastrointestinal tract is a common location for cancerous neuroendocrine tumors to form.

Clinical trial evaluates drug combination for inoperable neuroendocrine tumors

Neuroendocrine tumors occur in cells of the endocrine and nervous systems. A combined phase I/II clinical trial at the NIH Clinical Center evaluates the effectiveness of a combination of two agents that may work in complementary ways to target inoperable or metastatic neuroendocrine tumors.

image of female physician using a stethoscope on a young female patient

Clinical trial researching T-cell therapy for sarcoma

John W. Glod, M.D., Ph.D., Associate Research Physician in the Pediatric Oncology Branch, is leading NCI’s participation in a clinical trial researching T-cell therapy for sarcomas.

Clinical trial researching therapy for tumors that have spread to the lining of the abdomen

A clinical trial led by Andrew M. Blakely, M.D., Assistant Research Physician in the Surgical Oncology Program, is researching a combination drug therapy for peritoneal carcinomatosis, a condition in which tumors have spread along the lining of the abdomen from the appendix, colon, ovary or mesothelioma.