Recruiting

Testing a new medication for rare brain tumors and pancreatic cancer

Plain-English translation of NCT06159478 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated December 2023 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

Phase 2 — Testing in a bigger group (up to a few hundred people) to see if the treatment actually works and is still safe.

What is this trial?

This is a Phase 2 trial testing binimetinib, a targeted cancer medication, in patients with two specific types of cancer: low-grade gliomas (slow-growing brain tumors) or pancreatic cancer. Both types of cancer in this study must have a particular genetic change called a BRAF fusion. Researchers want to see if this medication can help control these cancers in patients who either have had their cancer come back or cannot have surgery to remove it.

Most standard cancer treatments work the same way for everyone, but this medication targets a specific genetic change found in some cancers. By studying patients with this particular genetic mutation, doctors hope to better understand whether this personalized approach can be more effective than traditional treatments.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you have been diagnosed with a low-grade brain tumor (WHO grade 1 or 2) or advanced pancreatic cancer that has come back or cannot be surgically removed
your tumor has been confirmed to have a BRAF fusion genetic change through genetic testing
you are at least 12 years old (with a minimum body weight of 40 kg if between ages 12–17)
your heart function is normal (left ventricular ejection fraction of 50% or higher) based on recent testing
your blood counts, liver, and kidney function are within safe ranges based on blood tests done within 14 days before enrollment
you are able to swallow pills and have not received other cancer treatments within the past 14–28 days

You likely don't qualify if…

you have brain metastases, spinal metastases, or cancer spread to the membranes around your brain that would need surgery or radiation
you have fluid buildup around your heart, lungs, or abdomen that requires treatment
you have taken other targeted cancer drugs or immunotherapy within the past 21 days
you have had surgery under general anesthesia or radiation therapy within the past 14–28 days
you are pregnant or unwilling to use contraception for at least 30 days (women) or 90 days (men) after the study drug ends

What participation looks like

You would take the medication by mouth twice a day at home. The study involves two separate groups—one for brain tumor patients and one for pancreatic cancer patients—so you would be followed with the group that matches your diagnosis. You will have regular clinic visits and blood tests to monitor how the medication is working and to watch for any side effects. The study team will measure your tumor using imaging scans to see if the medication is helping.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 18, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(6 sites)

Japan

National Cancer Center Hospital East, Kashiwa, Chiba

Hokkaido University Hospital, Sapporo, Hokkaido

Kyoto University Hospital, Kyoto, Kyoto

Tohoku university Hospital, Sendai, Miyagi

National Cancer Center Japan, Chuo-ku, Tokyo