NCT02479698 · M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes in Treating Patients With Malignancies With BK and/or JC Virus
What this study is about
This phase II trial studies how well donor cytotoxic T lymphocytes work in treating patients with malignancies with BK and/or JC virus. Cytotoxic T lymphocytes are made from donated blood cells that are grown in the laboratory and are designed to kill viruses that can cause infections in transplant patients and may be an effective treatment in patients with malignancies with BK and/or JC virus.
View original scientific description
This phase II trial studies how well donor cytotoxic T lymphocytes work in treating patients with malignancies with BK and/or JC virus. Cytotoxic T lymphocytes are made from donated blood cells that are grown in the laboratory and are designed to kill viruses that can cause infections in transplant patients and may be an effective treatment in patients with malignancies with BK and/or JC virus.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Patients ≥ 2 years. English and non-English speaking patients are eligible.
- Immunocompromised patients; and/or Non-immunocompromised patients with PML/JC virus Encephalitis; and/or patients with any type of malignancies; and/or HIV/AIDs; and/or history of solid organ transplant; and/or Merkel polyoma-virus related Merkel cell tumor(s) with measurable disease on imaging per RECIST criteria.
- Patients with microscopic hematuria OR biopsy proven BK nephritis and urine or blood PCR positive for BK virus and/or JC viral encephalitis and/or JC end-organ disease and/or polyomavirus.
- Clinical status at enrollment to allow tapering of steroids to less than 0.5 mg/kg/day of prednisone.
- Patients who are currently receiving treatment with cidofovir, leflunomide, or other antiviral therapy with no response, will be eligible for CTL infusion.
- Written informed consent and/or signed assent from patient, parent or guardian. Patients with cognitive impairments are eligible.
- Negative pregnancy test in female patients of childbearing potential, defined as not post-menopausal for 12 months or no previous surgical sterilization. Women of child bearing potential must be willing to use an effective contraceptive measure while on study.
- Patients enrolled on this study may be enrolled on other IND studies at the discretion of the PI.
- Patients may be re-enrolled in the protocol should the infection re-occur, provided they meet all the other eligibility criteria at the moment of re-enrollment.
Exclusion criteria
- Patients receiving prednisone \> 0.5 mg/kg/day at time of enrollment, or have received ATG within 14 days or have received donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI) or Campath within 28 days of enrollment.
- Patients with other uncontrolled infections (except HIV/AIDS). For bacterial infections, patients must be receiving definitive therapy and have no signs of progressing infection for 72 hours prior to enrollment. For fungal infections patients must be receiving definitive systemic anti-fungal therapy and have no signs of progressing infection for 1 week prior to enrollment. Progressing infection is defined as hemodynamic instability attributable to sepsis or new symptoms, worsening physical signs or radiographic findings attributable to infection. Persisting fever without other signs or symptoms will not be interpreted as progressing infection
- Patients with active acute (GVHD) grades II-IV
Where
- Houston, Texas
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jun 12, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations