Rituximab + LMP-Specific T-Cells for Post-transplant Lymphoproliferative Disease
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of combining rituximab and LMP-specific T-cells for children who have undergone organ transplants and now face post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD). Rituximab helps stop cancer cells from growing, while LMP-specific T-cells (allogeneic LMP1/LMP2-specific cytotoxic T-lymphocytes) are immune cells trained to attack virus-infected cancer cells. The trial will determine if this combination is more effective than rituximab alone. It is suitable for pediatric patients who have had a solid organ transplant and are dealing with this Epstein-Barr virus-related cancer. As a Phase 2 trial, this research measures the treatment's effectiveness in an initial, smaller group, offering a chance to contribute to important findings.
Do I need to stop my current medications to join the trial?
The trial protocol does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. However, you must not have received certain treatments like myelosuppressive chemotherapy within 2 weeks, anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies within 90 days, or investigational therapy within 30 days before joining the study.
Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?
Research has shown that both rituximab and LMP-specific T-cells are generally safe for treating post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD). Rituximab, a monoclonal antibody, has proven safe and effective for PTLD, especially following stem cell transplants. Studies indicate it can be administered without major side effects when given in recommended doses.
LMP-specific T-cells are immune cells that target the Epstein-Barr virus, often linked to PTLD. Research shows these cells are usually safe and well-tolerated. Studies have found they do not cause severe reactions like cytokine release syndrome or acute graft-versus-host disease, which can be serious with other treatments.
Both rituximab and LMP-specific T-cells have undergone thorough safety studies. Participants in these studies generally tolerated the treatments well, with few reports of serious side effects. This suggests they could be a safe option for those eligible for clinical trials for PTLD.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial's treatments?
Unlike the standard of care for post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease, which typically involves medications like rituximab that target specific proteins on B-cells, this new approach incorporates LMP-specific cytotoxic T-lymphocytes. These T-cells are engineered to target the LMP1 and LMP2 proteins, which are associated with certain virus-driven cancers. Researchers are excited about this treatment because it leverages the body’s immune system to target cancer cells more precisely. This precision could mean fewer side effects and a more powerful attack on the disease itself, especially for those who don't fully respond to traditional treatments.
What evidence suggests that rituximab and LMP-specific T-cells might be an effective treatment for post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder?
Research has shown that rituximab, one of the treatments in this trial, effectively treats post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD). Studies have found that patients receiving rituximab often experience significant improvement, with some achieving a complete response, meaning their symptoms can fully disappear. In this trial, some participants will receive rituximab alone.
Another treatment arm involves LMP-specific T-cells, a type of immune cell trained to target certain proteins. These cells have shown promise in helping the body fight PTLD, especially when linked to the Epstein-Barr virus. Combining rituximab with LMP-specific T-cells is believed to be more effective than using rituximab alone for treating PTLD in children. Early findings suggest this combination can better address the disorder by leveraging the strengths of both treatments.13456Who Is on the Research Team?
Birte Wistinghausen
Principal Investigator
Children's Oncology Group
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for pediatric patients who have had a solid organ transplant and are now facing EBV-positive, CD20-positive post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder. They should not have received certain treatments like myelosuppressive chemotherapy or stem cell transplants recently, and must be in relatively good health with a life expectancy of at least 8 weeks.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Induction
Patients receive rituximab or biosimilar intravenously on days 1, 8, 15. Cycle continues for up to 21 days in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.
Treatment
Patients receive allogeneic LMP1/LMP2-specific cytotoxic T-lymphocytes IV over 1-2 minutes on days 0 and 7. Cycle continues for up to 42 days in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Allogeneic LMP1/LMP2-Specific Cytotoxic T-Lymphocytes
- Rituximab
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Children's Oncology Group
Lead Sponsor
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Collaborator