Intra-tumoral Mitazalimab (CD40 Antibody) With Irreversible Electroporation (IRE) in Locally Advanced Pancreas Cancer

This is a phase I study of an agonistic CD40 antibody (mitazalimab) injected intratumorally at the time of surgical IRE in patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer. Intratumoral delivery has potential to be more effective than systemic (intravenous) delivery while decreasing the systemic side effects of immunotherapy. We hypothesize that local delivery of mitazalimab at the time of IRE in patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer will be safe, augment the immune effects of IRE, and decrease the risk of recurrence.

Irreversible electroporation (IRE) is a form of non-thermal ablation (tissue destruction) that is being used to treat locally advanced pancreatic cancers. Locally advanced pancreatic cancers are tumors that have not spread (metastasized to distant locations) but cannot be surgically resected. There is evidence that IRE can help to generate anti-tumor immune responses by releasing tumor antigens in the setting of inflammation. CD40 is an immune receptor that helps to stimulate antigen presentation to the immune system. Preclinical data from the PI's laboratory have shown that combination of IRE with an antibody that stimulates the CD40 receptor improves responses to IRE and inhibits metastatic tumor growth. This is a phase I study of an agonistic CD40 antibody (mitazalimab) injected intratumorally at the time of surgical IRE in patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer. Intratumoral delivery has potential to be more effective than systemic (intravenous) delivery while decreasing the systemic side effects of immunotherapy. We hypothesize that local delivery of mitazalimab at the time of IRE in patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer will be safe, augment the immune effects of IRE, and decrease the risk of recurrence.