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A Dendritic Cell Vaccine in Combination with Cabozantinib for Altering the Immune System in Patients with Localized Clear Cell Renal Cell Cancer

Trial Status: active

This phase II trial evaluates the safety and effectiveness of an autologous dendritic cell type 1/peptide vaccine targeting tumor-associated blood vessel antigens given in combination with cabozantinib for altering the immune system in patients with clear cell renal cell (kidney) cancer that has not spread to other parts of the body (localized). An autologous dendritic cell vaccine is a vaccine made from a patient's own blood cells—specifically white blood cells called dendritic cells. A unit of the patient's blood is collected and the dendritic cells are then changed in the laboratory to create a personalized vaccine by exposing them to six proteins commonly found on tumor blood vessels. Upon administration, the altered dendritic cells are able to cause an immune response against these six proteins, which inhibits the growth of blood vessels that tumors need to grow and survive. Cabozantinib is in a class of medications called kinase inhibitors. It blocks multiple proteins that are often over-expressed on tumor cells, which may prevent tumor growth, as well as the growth of blood vessels that tumors need to grow and survive. Giving the autologous dendritic cell vaccine in combination with cabozantinib may cause changes in tumor blood vessels or the immune system, making it easier for immune cells to enter the tumor and/or attack the tumor's blood supply.