Summary
This phase II trial tests whether vidutolimod with nivolumab works to destroy tumor cells in patients with castration resistant prostate cancer that has spread to other places in the body (metastatic). Nivolumab is an antibody working by attaching to and blocking a molecule called PD 1. PD 1 is a protein that is present on different types of cells in the immune system and controls parts of the immune system by shutting it down. Antibodies (proteins in the immune system which act to stop infection harming the body) that block PD 1 can potentially prevent PD 1 from shutting down the immune system, thus allowing immune cells to recognize and destroy cancer cells. Vidutolimod (CMP-001) is a Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) agonist, with the ability to generate tumor-targeted T cells capable of killing a tumor both locally and systemically in combination with checkpoint inhibitors (nivolumab, in this case), thus potentially improving outcomes for people whose tumors are progressing. Giving nivolumab and vidutolimod may kill more cancer cells in patients with metastatic prostate cancer.