Testing a new immune cell therapy for brainstem brain tumors in children and young adults

Plain-English translation of NCT07680439 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated August 2026 · Translation generated August 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 trial is testing , a new type of treatment that uses your own immune cells to fight a rare brain tumor called diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG). The treatment is made from your white blood cells and delivered directly into the fluid-filled spaces around your brain. Researchers want to see if this medication can help control the tumor and improve survival for children and young adults who have just completed radiation therapy.

DIPG is a very aggressive brain tumor that primarily affects children, and current treatments like radiation provide only temporary benefit. This trial exists to test whether this new immune therapy can offer better outcomes and give patients and families more hope when facing this serious diagnosis.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are between 1 and 26 years old and weigh at least 10 kg
you have been diagnosed with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma based on imaging
you have completed standard radiation therapy within the last 6 weeks
you have a catheter or reservoir already placed in your brain to deliver treatment
you are in good enough overall health to tolerate the procedures involved

You likely don't qualify if…

you have received any cancer treatment other than radiation therapy and possibly one other drug called temozolomide
you have signs that the cancer has spread to other parts of your body
you are currently taking high doses of steroids or need increasing amounts
you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have an active HIV or hepatitis infection
you have another active cancer or severe medical conditions that would make participation unsafe

What participation looks like

You will start within 6 weeks of finishing radiation therapy. First, doctors will collect some of your white blood cells in a special procedure, then send them to a lab to create your personalized treatment. Over about 7-8 months, you will receive up to 15 doses of the medication every 2 weeks, delivered directly into your brain through your catheter at a research center. You will have regular visits that include MRI scans, blood tests, safety checks, and other assessments, with some follow-up visits possibly done remotely. You may be followed for up to 2 years total.

Testing a new immune cell therapy for brainstem brain tumors in children and young adults

What is this trial?

Do you qualify?

What participation looks like

Trial locations(6 sites)