CATCH T Cells for Solid Cancers
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
Patients may be considered if the cancer has come back, has not gone away after standard treatment or the patient cannot receive standard treatment. This research study uses special immune system cells called CATCH T cells, a new experimental treatment.The body has different ways of fighting infection and disease. No single way seems perfect for fighting cancers. This research study combines two different ways of fighting cancer: antibodies and T cells. Antibodies are types of proteins that protect the body from infectious diseases and possibly cancer. T cells, also called T lymphocytes, are special infection-fighting blood cells that can kill other cells, including cells infected with viruses and tumor cells. Both antibodies and T cells have been used to treat patients with cancers. They have shown promise, but have not been strong enough to cure most patients.Investigators have found from previous research that we can put a new gene (a tiny part of what makes-up DNA and carriesa person's traits) into T cells that will make them recognize cancer cells and kill them . In the lab, we made several genes called a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR), from an antibody called GC33. The antibody GC33 recognizes a protein called GPC3 that is found on the hepatocellular carcinoma the patient has. The specific CAR we are making is called GPC3-CAR. To make this CAR more effective, we also added a gene encoding protein called IL15. This protein helps CAR T cells grow better and stay in the blood longer so that they may kill tumors better. The mixture of GPC3-CAR and IL15 killed tumor cells better in the laboratory when compared with CAR T cells that did not have IL 15. This study will test T cells that we have made with CATCH T cells in patients with GPC3-positive solid tumors such as the ones participating in this study.T cells made to carry a gene called iCasp9 can be killed when they encounter a specific drug called AP1903. The investigators will insert the iCasp9 and IL15 together into the T cells using a virus that has been made for this study. The drug (AP1903) is an experimental drug that has been tested in humans with no bad side-effects. The investigators will use this drug to kill the T cells if necessary due to side effects.This study will test T cells genetically engineered with a GPC3-CAR and IL15 (CATCH T cells) in patients with GPC3-positive solid tumors.The CATCH T cells are an investigational product not approved by the Food and Drug Administration.The purpose of this study is to find the biggest dose of CATCH T cells that is safe , to see how long they last in the body, to learn what the side effects are and to see if the CATCH T cells will help people with GPC3-positive solid tumors.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but you must stop systemic steroid treatment at least 24 hours before the CAR T cell infusion.
Is the CATCH T cell treatment generally safe for humans?
What makes the CATCH T cells treatment unique for solid cancers?
CATCH T cells are unique because they are engineered to target glypican-3 (GPC3), a protein found on certain solid tumors, and are enhanced with IL-15 to improve their effectiveness. This approach aims to overcome the challenges of treating solid tumors by boosting the T cells' ability to attack cancer cells and persist in the body, which is not typically achieved with standard CAR T cell therapies.14567
What data supports the effectiveness of the CATCH T cells treatment for solid cancers?
Research shows that T cells engineered to target glypican-3 (GPC3), a protein found on some solid tumors, can effectively kill cancer cells in lab studies and animal models. These engineered T cells have shown promising results in reducing tumor size and improving immune response in various solid tumors, suggesting potential effectiveness for treating GPC3-positive cancers.14578
Who Is on the Research Team?
Tannaz Armaghany
Principal Investigator
Baylor College of Medicine
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
Adults with certain solid tumors like liver cancer, who have tried standard treatments without success or can't receive them. They must be in relatively good health with a life expectancy of at least 12 weeks and adequate organ function. Pregnant individuals, those with HIV, active infections (except Hepatitis B/C), or history of organ transplant cannot participate.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Lymphodepletion Chemotherapy
Participants receive lymphodepletion chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide and fludarabine for 3 days before T-cell infusion
Treatment
Participants receive CATCH T cells infusion 48 to 72 hours after completing chemotherapy
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment, with blood tests and tumor measurements
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- CATCH T cells
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Baylor College of Medicine
Lead Sponsor
The Methodist Hospital Research Institute
Collaborator
Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine
Collaborator