NK Cells + Chemotherapy for Sarcoma
(TINKS Trial)
Trial Summary
What is the purpose of this trial?
The purpose of this study is to determine if the addition of infusions of a type of immune cell called a "natural killer", or NK cell to the sarcoma chemotherapy regimen GEM/DOX (gemcitabine and docetaxel) can improve outcomes in people with childhood sarcomas that have relapsed or not responded to prior therapies. The goals of this study are: * To determine the safety and efficacy of the addition of adoptive transfer of universal donor, TGFβ imprinted (TGFβi), expanded NK cells to the pediatric sarcoma salvage chemotherapeutic regimen gemcitabine/docetaxel (GEM/DOX) for treatment of relapsed and refractory pediatric sarcomas To determine the 6-month progression free survival achieved with this treatment in patients within cohorts of relapsed or refractory osteosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma and non-rhabdomyosarcoma soft tissue sarcoma. * To identify toxicities related to treatment with GEM/DOX + TGFβi expanded NK cells Participants will receive study drugs that include chemotherapy and NK cells in cycles; each cycle is 21 days long and you can receive up to 8 cycles. * Gemcitabine (GEM): via IV on Days 1 and 8 * Docetaxel (DOX): via IV on Day 8 * Prophylactic dexamethasone: Day 7-9 to prevent fluid retention and hypersensitivity reaction * Peg-filgrastim (PEG-GCSF) or biosimilar: Day 9 to help your white blood cell recover and allow more chemotherapy to be given * TGFβi NK cells: via IV on Day 12
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial protocol does not specify if you must stop all current medications, but you cannot take other cancer treatments or certain medications like strong CYP3A4 inducers and diazepam. It's best to discuss your specific medications with the study team.
What data supports the effectiveness of the drug combination of gemcitabine and docetaxel for treating sarcoma?
The combination of gemcitabine and docetaxel has shown some effectiveness in treating certain types of sarcoma, such as leiomyosarcoma and pleomorphic sarcomas, with a 3-month progression-free rate of 45.4% in synovial sarcoma. However, the response rate is generally low, and the treatment is associated with significant side effects.12345
Is the combination of gemcitabine and docetaxel safe for treating sarcomas?
What makes the NK Cells + Chemotherapy treatment for sarcoma unique?
This treatment combines natural killer (NK) cells, which are part of the immune system's first line of defense, with chemotherapy drugs docetaxel and gemcitabine. While docetaxel and gemcitabine are used in other sarcoma treatments, the addition of NK cells is novel and aims to enhance the body's natural ability to fight cancer.478910
Research Team
Bhuvana Setty, M.D.
Principal Investigator
Nationwide Children's Hospital
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for young people aged 12-40 with relapsed or refractory pediatric bone and soft tissue sarcomas, who've had limited prior treatments. They must have a certain level of physical ability, adequate organ function, controlled seizures if present, no severe allergies to specific drugs used in the study, and agree to use contraception.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive up to 8 cycles of gemcitabine, docetaxel, and TGFβi NK cells, each cycle lasting 21 days
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Docetaxel
- Gemcitabine
- TGFβi expanded NK cells
Docetaxel is already approved in United States, European Union, Canada, Japan for the following indications:
- Breast Cancer
- Non-small Cell Lung Cancer
- Gastric Cancer
- Head and Neck Cancer
- Prostate Cancer
- Breast Cancer
- Non-small Cell Lung Cancer
- Gastric Cancer
- Head and Neck Cancer
- Prostate Cancer
- Breast Cancer
- Non-small Cell Lung Cancer
- Gastric Cancer
- Head and Neck Cancer
- Prostate Cancer
- Breast Cancer
- Non-small Cell Lung Cancer
- Gastric Cancer
- Head and Neck Cancer
- Prostate Cancer
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Nationwide Children's Hospital
Lead Sponsor
National Pediatric Cancer Foundation
Collaborator