CAR T-Cell Therapy for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Overseen By James N Kochenderfer, M.D.

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Phase 1 & 2

Sponsor: National Cancer Institute (NCI)

Must not be taking: Anticoagulants, Checkpoint inhibitors

Disqualifiers: HIV, Second malignancies, Uncontrolled infections, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Approved in 3 Jurisdictions This treatment is already approved in other countries

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 6

132 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests a new treatment for people with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL), both types of blood cancer. The treatment modifies a person's own immune cells to attack cancer cells more effectively. These modified cells, known as anti-CD19 CAR T cells, target and kill cancer cells with a specific protein called CD19. People with CLL or SLL that does not respond to standard treatments might be suitable for this trial. As a Phase 1 trial, the research aims to understand how the treatment works in people, offering participants the chance to be among the first to receive this innovative therapy.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial requires that participants stop taking systemic corticosteroids greater than 5 mg/day of prednisone or equivalent at least 14 days before starting rituximab. Additionally, participants on systemic anticoagulant therapy, except aspirin, are not allowed.

Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?

Research shows that anti-CD19 CAR T cell therapy has been tested for safety in people with various blood cancers. Earlier studies indicate that patients generally tolerate these modified T cells well. Common side effects include fever, tiredness, and low blood cell counts, which are usually manageable with medical care.

More serious side effects, such as cytokine release syndrome (a strong immune reaction) and neurological issues, can occur. These are rare and often successfully treated if they happen. Studies have shown that most patients recover from these side effects with proper treatment.

Since this therapy is in the early stages of testing, understanding its safety and patient response is the main focus. Although not yet approved specifically for chronic lymphocytic leukemia, similar CAR T cell treatments are approved for other conditions, indicating a known safety profile. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this study treatment for leukemia?

Unlike the standard treatments for chronic lymphocytic leukemia, which often involve chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or targeted therapy, CAR T-cell therapy offers a personalized and innovative approach by using the patient's own immune cells. Researchers are excited about this therapy because it involves engineering these cells to specifically target and destroy cancer cells by recognizing the CD19 protein on their surface. This targeted mechanism can potentially lead to more effective and long-lasting remission compared to traditional treatments. Additionally, the combination of CAR T-cells with rituximab and conditioning chemotherapy in this trial aims to enhance the effectiveness and durability of the response, offering new hope for patients with this condition.

What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for chronic lymphocytic leukemia?

Research has shown that anti-CD19 CAR T cell therapy could be promising for people with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL). In some studies, patients with CLL who received these specially modified immune cells experienced cancer reduction or even remission. This therapy uses the body's own immune cells to target and destroy cancer cells with a specific protein called CD19. However, results can vary among individuals. In this trial, participants will receive anti-CD19 CAR T cells along with rituximab and conditioning chemotherapy. Some studies suggest that newer versions of CAR T cells might be more effective than older ones. Overall, while CAR T cells have helped many patients, they do not work for everyone with CLL or SLL. ^{1 5 6 7 8}

Who Is on the Research Team?

James N Kochenderfer, M.D.

Principal Investigator

National Cancer Institute (NCI)

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adults over 18 with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) that hasn't responded to standard treatments. Participants must have a tumor sample available for CD19 testing, and their heart and overall health should be stable enough to undergo the procedures involved in the trial.

Inclusion Criteria

I've had at least two treatments for my condition, including one with a BTK inhibitor.

I am fully active or can carry out light work.

My heart pumps blood effectively.

Exclusion Criteria

I have an active condition where my red blood cells are being destroyed faster than they can be made.

I have had a stem cell transplant from a donor.

I need urgent treatment because my tumor is pressing on my spine or other organs.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

1 visit (in-person)

Pre-treatment

Participants receive a drug to reduce leukemia cells and undergo apheresis to collect T cells

1 week

1 visit (in-person)

Conditioning Chemotherapy

Participants receive rituximab and a lymphocyte-depleting chemotherapy regimen

3 days

3 visits (in-person)

CAR T-cell Infusion

Participants receive an infusion of genetically modified CAR T cells

1 day

1 visit (in-person)

Inpatient Monitoring

Participants are monitored for toxicity in the hospital

9 days

Inpatient stay

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

5 years

Regular visits (in-person and virtual)

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Autologous HuCD19 (Anti-CD19) CAR T cells

Trial Overview The study tests anti-CD19 CAR T cell therapy, where patients' own immune cells are modified to target cancer cells. It involves taking medication to reduce leukemia cells, extracting T cells from blood, genetically modifying them in a lab, and then infusing them back into the patient's bloodstream.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: 2/Rituximab, conditioning chemotherapy plus CAR T-cells- Dose expansion Experimental Treatment 4 Interventions

MTD dose or Optimal dose of Anti-CD19 CAR T- cells/kg + rituximab and conditioning chemotherapy

Group II: 1/Rituximab, conditioning chemotherapy plus CAR T-cells- Dose escalation Experimental Treatment 4 Interventions

Escalating dose of anti-CD19 CAR T- cells/kg + rituximab and conditioning chemotherapy

Autologous HuCD19 (Anti-CD19) CAR T cells is already approved in United States, European Union, Canada for the following indications:

Approved in United States as Kymriah for:

• B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)
• Relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma
• Relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma

Approved in European Union as Kymriah for:

• B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)
• Relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma
• Relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma

Approved in Canada as Kymriah for:

• B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)
• Relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma
• Relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

National Cancer Institute (NCI)

Lead Sponsor

Trials

14,080

Recruited

41,180,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

The FDA has approved tisagenlecleucel, the first anti-CD19 CAR T-cell therapy, specifically for treating pediatric and young adult patients with relapsed or refractory acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL).

CAR T-cell therapy, particularly with tisagenlecleucel, shows promise as a standard treatment option for patients with B-cell malignancies, although it has primarily been developed through small clinical studies and poses unique management challenges.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Tisagenlecleucel-T for the treatment of acute lymphocytic leukemia. Thomas, X., Paubelle, E.[2019]

In a study of 42 patients with relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), those treated with anti-CD19 CAR T cells showed a complete response (CR) rate of 28% and an overall response rate of 44% after 4 weeks, with a median overall survival of 64 months.

Achieving a complete response was linked to significantly longer overall survival and progression-free survival, indicating that the effectiveness of CAR T cell therapy is enhanced in patients who reach CR, regardless of whether they received a low or high dose.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Long-Term Outcomes From a Randomized Dose Optimization Study of Chimeric Antigen Receptor Modified T Cells in Relapsed Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. Frey, NV., Gill, S., Hexner, EO., et al.[2021]

Two CAR T cell therapies, Tisagenlecleucel and Axicabtagene ciloleucel, have been approved for treating specific types of blood cancers, including B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia and large B-cell lymphoma, in patients who have not responded to other treatments.

This review emphasizes the importance of recognizing and managing the toxicities associated with CAR T cell therapies, while also suggesting future strategies to reduce these side effects.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

CAR T Cell Toxicity: Current Management and Future Directions. Yáñez, L., Sánchez-Escamilla, M., Perales, MA.[2020]

In a global study involving 75 pediatric and young adult patients with relapsed or refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), the CAR T-cell therapy tisagenlecleucel achieved an impressive overall remission rate of 81% within 3 months, with all responders showing no minimal residual disease.

While 73% of patients experienced serious adverse events, including cytokine release syndrome in 77% and neurologic events in 40%, these effects were mostly manageable and reversible, indicating that tisagenlecleucel can provide durable remission despite the risk of significant side effects.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Tisagenlecleucel in Children and Young Adults with B-Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Maude, SL., Laetsch, TW., Buechner, J., et al.[2022]

CAR T cell therapies, such as tisagenlecleucel and axicabtagene ciloleucel, are effective treatments for certain types of blood cancers, specifically targeting the CD19 antigen in patients with relapsed or refractory conditions.

The recommendations provided by the European Society of Blood and Marrow Transplantation cover comprehensive patient care aspects, including eligibility, treatment procedures, and management of potential complications, ensuring a structured approach to administering these innovative therapies.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Management of adults and children undergoing chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy: best practice recommendations of the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) and the Joint Accreditation Committee of ISCT and EBMT (JACIE). Yakoub-Agha, I., Chabannon, C., Bader, P., et al.[2022]

In a phase 1 clinical trial involving 20 patients with relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and indolent B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL), CAR T-cell therapy combined with conditioning chemotherapy was found to be well-tolerated, with serious side effects like cytokine release syndrome occurring in only 10% of patients.

Among the CLL patients who received conditioning chemotherapy, 25% achieved complete remission, and all patients who reached this remission remained progression-free for a median follow-up of 53 months, indicating the potential for long-lasting treatment effects.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Safety and tolerability of conditioning chemotherapy followed by CD19-targeted CAR T cells for relapsed/refractory CLL. Geyer, MB., Rivière, I., Sénéchal, B., et al.[2021]

In a study of 47 patients with relapsed/refractory large B cell lymphomas receiving CAR T-cell therapy, changes in PET scan results at 30 days post-infusion were found to be predictive of patient outcomes, with a significant correlation between SUVmean variation and progression-free survival.

Patients with a Deauville score of 4-5 and a decrease in SUVmean had a similar 1-year progression-free survival rate (61-62%) as those with a better score (1-3), while those with an increase in SUVmean had a much poorer survival rate of 33%, highlighting the importance of these metrics in assessing treatment response.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Combination of Deauville score and quantitative positron emission tomography parameters as a predictive tool of anti-CD19 chimeric antigen receptor T-cell efficacy. Guidetti, A., Dodero, A., Lorenzoni, A., et al.[2023]

CAR T-cell therapies, such as tisagenlecleucel (Kymriah™) and axicabtagene ciloleucel (Yescarta™), are effective treatments for relapsed/refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, utilizing genetically modified T cells that target the CD19 antigen.

These therapies are classified as 'living drugs' because they involve the genetic engineering of a patient's own T cells, highlighting the importance of proper collection and manufacturing processes for effective treatment.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[How to perform leukapheresis for procurement of the staring material used for commercial CAR T-cell manufacturing: A consensus from experts convened by the SFGM-TC]. Carnoy, S., Beaumont, JL., Kanouni, T., et al.[2021]

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy targeting the CD19 antigen has shown high effectiveness in treating patients with relapsed or refractory B-cell malignancies, with several therapies like tisagenlecleucel already approved in Japan.

Research is ongoing for CAR T-cell therapies targeting other cancers, such as acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and multiple myeloma, indicating a broadening scope of CAR T-cell applications beyond just B-cell malignancies.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy for hematological malignancies]. Nakazawa, Y.[2019]

CAR T cell therapy, specifically with tisagenlecleucel and axicabtagene ciloleucel, has been authorized in Europe for treating certain types of blood cancers, showing efficacy in relapsed/refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

The recommendations provided focus on managing medium-term complications like cytopenias and B-cell aplasia, emphasizing the importance of supportive care for patients undergoing this innovative treatment.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Medium-term follow-up of patients treated with chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR T cells): Recommendations of the Francophone Society of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy (SFGM-TC)]. Alsuliman, T., Drieu La Rochelle, L., Campidelli, A., et al.[2022]

Citations

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Autologous CD19-Targeted CAR T Cells in Patients with ... Patients with residual chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) following initial purine analog-based chemoimmunotherapy exhibit a shorter duration of response and ...

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A burden too high for CAR T cells in CLL | Blood In this issue of Blood, Davids et al1 demonstrate that chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell efficacy in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is

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Third-generation anti-CD19 CAR T cells for relapsed ... chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) may improve efficacy compared to second-generation CARTs due to their enhanced CAR design. We performed ...

4. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11178044/

CAR-T Cells in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia - PMC Although CAR-T cells were initially used for the treatment of CLL, their efficacy in CLL patients was lower than in other B-cell malignancies.

5. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666636723011314

Outcomes of CD19-Directed Chimeric Antigen Receptor T ... Our case series supports the use of CD19 CAR-T therapy in relapsed/refractory tCLL/SLL and tMZL. The concurrent use of ibrutinib and tisa-cel in tNFL was ...

6. nature.com nature.com/articles/s41409-025-02691-2

Safety and efficacy of autologous humanized CD19 CAR-T ... Safety and efficacy of a humanized CD19 chimeric antigen receptor T cells for relapsed/refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Am J Hematol ...

7. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2473952923005475

Factors associated with long-term outcomes of CD19 CAR ... Although long-term responses have been reported after CD19 CAR T-cell therapy for CLL, the factors associated with long-term outcomes have not been identified.

8. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06364423

NCT06364423 | Anti-CD19 Chimeric Antigen Receptor T- ... Improved treatments for relapsed and refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) are needed. T cells can be genetically modified to express chimeric antigen ...