CD8+ T Cells for Brain Cancer

IG
Overseen ByIsabella Glitza, MD, PHD
Age: 18+
Sex: Any
Trial Phase: Phase 1
Sponsor: M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
Must be taking: Anti-PD1, CTLA-4
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores a new treatment for brain cancer that has spread from melanoma, using special immune cells called CD8+ T cells to target the cancer. Participants receive these cells through an intrathecal infusion, which delivers them directly into the fluid around the brain and spinal cord. The study aims to test the safety and initial effects of this treatment, known as Intrathecal Cellular Adoptive Immunotherapy. Individuals with melanoma that has spread to the brain and who show certain genetic markers (HLA-A*0201+ or HLA-A*24 02+) might be suitable candidates. As a Phase 1 trial, this research focuses on understanding how the treatment works in people, offering participants the opportunity to be among the first to receive this innovative therapy.

Is there any evidence suggesting that this treatment is likely to be safe for humans?

Research has shown that injecting immune cells directly into the spinal fluid is generally safe for patients with leptomeningeal disease from metastatic melanoma. A case report found that a patient tolerated this method well, suggesting its relative safety. No major reports have linked serious side effects directly to this treatment. However, as this is a Phase 1 trial, the primary goal is to assess the treatment's safety. Researchers are still gathering information to fully understand its safety profile.12345

Why do researchers think this study treatment might be promising for brain cancer?

Unlike the standard treatments for brain cancer, which often involve chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery, the intrathecal cellular adoptive immunotherapy being studied uses CD8+ T cells that are specifically engineered to target cancer cells. This approach is unique because it delivers these immune cells directly into the cerebrospinal fluid, allowing for a more targeted attack on the cancer cells in the brain and spinal cord. Researchers are excited about this treatment because it has the potential to offer a more precise and potentially effective way to combat leptomeningeal disease from metastatic melanoma, with fewer systemic side effects compared to traditional therapies.

What evidence suggests that this treatment might be an effective treatment for brain cancer?

This trial will investigate intrathecal cellular adoptive immunotherapy, specifically CD8+ T-cells, for treating melanoma patients with leptomeningeal disease (LMD). Studies have shown that delivering tumor-fighting immune cells directly into the spinal fluid can be safe and feasible for treating LMD. LMD is a serious condition where cancer spreads to the protective layers around the brain and spinal cord. Research indicates that this treatment, which uses a patient's own immune cells, has extended some patients' lives. In one study, 36% of patients lived a year or more, exceeding the usual survival time for this condition. This suggests that using immune cells to combat cancer in the brain and spinal area could offer new hope for patients facing this challenging situation.12678

Who Is on the Research Team?

IG

Isabella Glitza, MD, PHD

Principal Investigator

M.D. Anderson Cancer Center

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

Inclusion Criteria

I have taken approved targeted or biologic therapy and meet the required time since treatment.
I can continue taking my anti-epileptic medication during the study.
Washout periods from other therapies must be adhered to
See 9 more

Exclusion Criteria

I do not have any serious medical or psychiatric conditions that could interfere with treatment.
Any side effects from my past cancer treatments are mild or back to my usual state.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive intrathecal infusion of TAA-specific T cells on Cycle 1 Day 1 and Cycle 1 Day 15

4 weeks
2 visits (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

1 year

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

  • Intrathecal Cellular Adoptive Immunotherapy

How Is the Trial Designed?

1

Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: IT-ETC: Treatment with CD8+ T-cells (IT) Q4WExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

M.D. Anderson Cancer Center

Lead Sponsor

Trials
3,107
Recruited
1,813,000+

Citations

NCT07414979 | Phase 1 Study Of Intrathecal Cellular ...

Primary Objective: Evaluate the safety of adoptively transferred intrathecal ETC targeting melanoma tumors in patients with leptomeningeal ...

Intrathecal administration of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes is ...

These results demonstrate the safety of intrathecal administration of TIL in melanoma patients with LMD and support the feasibility of conducting a prospective ...

New Study Identifies Effective Treatments for Melanoma ...

In an interview, Vincent Law, of Moffitt Cancer Center, discussed a new study that offers hope for patients with melanoma brain metastasis.

Retrospective review of metastatic melanoma patients with ...

The results show increased survival measured in months or years, rather than weeks in a subgroup of patients, with 36% surviving a year or more. •. No such data ...

The Challenge Treating Brain Metastases and ...

Brain metastases present a significant challenge when managing patients with melanoma who progress after frontline therapy.

Grant Information

... Intrathecal Cellular Adoptive Immunotherapy Using Autologous CD8+ Antigen-Specific T Cells for Melanoma Patients with Leptomeningeal Disease.

Retrospective review of metastatic melanoma patients with ...

Outcomes of a retrospective cohort of patients with LMD that were treated with intrathecal interleukin-2 (IT IL-2) were reviewed to assess the long-term ...

8.

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11300492/

Intrathecal cytotoxic T-cell immunotherapy for metastatic ...

A 49-year-old patient with primary, recurrent melanoma on the lower extremity developed metastatic leptomeningeal melanoma that did not respond to treatment.