Allergy & Immunology
PHASE2
● Phase II
Phase II Trial Explores Nivolumab in High-Risk HIV-Associated Anal Cancer
ClinicalTrials.gov
Published March 27, 2026
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
NCT04929028 ↗
This ongoing Phase II trial, sponsored by the National Cancer Institute, is designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of treatment regimens in patients with HIV-associated anal cancer. The study enrolls 40 participants, stratified into low-risk and high-risk groups, to assess different therapeutic approaches. Low-risk patients receive reduced intensity chemo-radiation therapy (CRT), while high-risk patients receive nivolumab following standard CRT. The primary endpoints focus on the incidence of adverse events in both strata. Secondary objectives include estimating the 2-year disease-control rate (DCR) for low-risk patients and the 2-year disease-free survival (DFS) rate for high-risk patients treated with nivolumab. Additionally, the study examines the impact of these treatments on immune function, specifically CD4+ cell counts and HIV viral load, as well as adherence to combination antiretroviral therapy (cART). Safety profiles and adverse events are monitored closely to determine the tolerability of these regimens. The trial began in August 2022, with primary completion anticipated in September 2031. Results will inform the potential integration of nivolumab into treatment protocols for high-risk HIV-associated anal cancer.
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· Auto-published
This study focuses on anal cancer that occurs in people with HIV, specifically looking at two groups: those with low-risk and high-risk cancer. Researchers are testing a combination of chemotherapy and radiation therapy to see how safe it is for low-risk patients. For high-risk patients, they are also giving a drug called nivolumab after the standard treatments to see if it helps prevent the cancer from coming back. So far, the researchers want to find out if these treatments are safe and how well they work over time. This could mean better treatment options for patients with HIV-related anal cancer. However, it's important to note that the study is still ongoing, and results will take time to fully understand. Patients should stay informed and discuss any concerns with their healthcare providers.
What this means for you: This study is exploring safer treatment options for anal cancer in HIV patients to improve outcomes.
View Original Abstract ↓
Status: RECRUITING | Phase: PHASE2
Condition(s): AIDS-Related Anal Carcinoma, Anal Margin Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Anal Non-Keratinizing Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Anal Squamous Cell Carcinoma, HIV Infection
Intervention(s): Anoscopy (PROCEDURE), Biospecimen Collection (PROCEDURE), Capecitabine (DRUG), Colonoscopy (PROCEDURE), Computed Tomography (PROCEDURE)
This phase II trial studies the side effects of chemotherapy and intensity modulated radiation therapy in treating patients with low-risk HIV-associated anal cancer, and nivolumab after standard of care chemotherapy and radiation therapy in treating patients with high-risk HIV-associated anal cancer. Radiation therapy uses high energy x-rays to kill tumor cells and shrink tumors. Chemotherapy drugs, such as mitomycin, fluorouracil, and capecitabine, work in different ways to stop the growth of tumor cells, either by killing the cells, by stopping them from dividing, or by stopping them from spreading. Giving chemotherapy with radiation therapy may kill more tumor cells. Immunotherapy with monoclonal antibodies, such as nivolumab, may help the body's immune system attack the cancer, and may interfere with the ability of tumor cells to grow and spread. Giving nivolumab after standard of care chemotherapy and radiation therapy may help reduce the risk of the tumor coming back.
Detailed: PRIMARY OBJECTIVES:
I. To determine the safety of reduced intensity chemo-radiation therapy (CRT) in low-risk disease.
II. To determine the safety of nivolumab after standard CRT in high-risk disease.
SECONDARY OBJECTIVES:
I. To estimate the efficacy (2-year disease-control rate \[DCR\]) of reduced intensity CRT in low risk disease.
II. To estimate the efficacy (2-year disease-free survival \[DFS\] rate) of nivolumab after standard CRT in high risk disease.
III. To evaluate the effect of low-dose CRT on immune function (CD4+ cell count) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) viral load.
IV. To evaluate the effect of nivolumab on immune function (CD4+ cell count) and HIV viral load.
V. To assess combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) adherence before, during, and after treatment
Primary Outcome(s): Incidence of adverse events (Low-risk stratum); Incidence of adverse events (High-risk stratum)
Enrollment: 40 (ESTIMATED)
Lead Sponsor: National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Start: 2022-08-09 | Primary Completion: 2031-09-15