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NCT02133196 · National Cancer Institute (NCI)

T Cell Receptor Immunotherapy for Patients With Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

What this study is about

Background: The NCI Surgery Branch has developed an experimental therapy that involves taking white blood cells from patients' tumors, growing them in the laboratory in large numbers, and then giving the cells back to the patient. These cells are called Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocytes, or TIL and we have given this type of treatment to over 100 patients.

View original scientific description

Background: The NCI Surgery Branch has developed an experimental therapy that involves taking white blood cells from patients' tumors, growing them in the laboratory in large numbers, and then giving the cells back to the patient. These cells are called Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocytes, or TIL and we have given this type of treatment to over 100 patients. In this study, we are selecting a specific subset of white blood cells from the tumor that we think are the most effective in fighting tumors and will use only these cells in making the tumor fighting cells. Objective: The purpose of this study is to see if these specifically selected tumor fighting cells can cause non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tumors to shrink and to see if this treatment is safe. Eligibility: \- Adults age 18-72 with NSCLC who have a tumor that can be safely removed. Design: * Work up stage: Patients will be seen as an outpatient at the NIH clinical Center and undergo a history and physical examination, scans, x-rays, lab tests, and other tests as needed * Surgery: If the patients meet all of the requirements for the study they will undergo surgery to remove a tumor that can be used to grow the TIL product. * Leukapheresis: Patients may undergo leukapheresis to obtain additional white blood cells. {Leukapheresis is a common procedure, which removes only the white blood cells from the patient.} * Treatment: Once their cells have grown, the patients will be admitted to the hospital for the conditioning chemotherapy, the TIL cells and aldesleukin. They will stay in the hospital for about 4 weeks for the treatment. Follow up: Patients will return to the clinic for a physical exam, review of side effects, lab tests, and scans about every 1-3 months for the first year, and then every 6 months to 1 year as long as their tumors are shrinking. Follow up visits take up to 2 days.

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

  • Measurable metastatic (stage IV) or unresectable non-small cell lung cancer (including but not limited to squamous cell carcinoma, adenosquamous carcinoma, or adenocarcinomas) with at least one lesion that is resectable for TIL generation. (Note: neuroendocrine tumors are not eligible.)
  • Patients with 3 or fewer brain metastases that are less than 1 cm in diameter and asymptomatic are eligible. Lesions that have been treated with stereotactic radiosurgery must be clinically stable for 1 month after treatment for the patient to be eligible. Patients with surgically resected brain metastases are eligible.
  • All patients must have had at least one appropriate first line systemic therapy and progressed.
  • Clinical performance status of ECOG 0 or 1.
  • Age \>= 18 years of age and \<= 72 years of age.
  • Patients of both sexes must be willing to practice birth control from the time of enrollment on this study and for 12 months after the last dose of combined chemotherapy for individuals of childbearing potential (IOCBP) and for four months after treatment for individuals able to father a child.
  • Willing to sign a durable power of attorney
  • Able to understand and sign the Informed Consent Document I. Hematology:
  • Absolute neutrophil count \> 1000/mm\^3 without support of filgrastim
  • Normal WBC (\>= 2500/mm\^3).
  • Hemoglobin \> 8.0 g/dl. Subjects may be transfused to reach this cut-off.
  • Platelet count \>= 80,000/mm\^3 j. Serology:
  • Seronegative for HIV antibody. (The experimental treatment being evaluated in this protocol depends on an intact immune system. Patients who are HIV seropositive can have decreased immune competence and thus may be less responsive to the experimental treatment and more susceptible to its toxicities.)
  • Seronegative for active hepatitis B, and seronegative for hepatitis C antibody. If hepatitis C antibody test is positive, then patient must be tested for the presence of antigen by RT-PCR and be HCV RNA negative. k. Chemistry:
  • Serum ALT/AST \<= 2.5 times the upper limit of normal.
  • Serum creatinine \<= 1.6 mg/dl.
  • Total bilirubin \<= 2 mg/dl, except in patients with Gilbert's Syndrome, who must have a total bilirubin \<= 3 mg/dl. l. IOCBP must have a negative pregnancy test or evidence that they are not pregnant (e.g., ultrasound or serial HCG measurements) prior to the start of treatment because of the potentially dangerous effects of the treatment on the fetus. m. Patients must have completed any prior systemic therapy at the time of enrollment. Note: Patients may have undergone minor surgical procedures or local radiotherapy within the past 4 weeks, as long as related major organ toxicities have recovered to grade 1 or less. n. More than two weeks must have elapsed since any prior palliation for major bronchial occlusion or bleeding at the time the patient receives the preparative regimen, and patient's toxicities must have recovered to a grade 1 or less. o. Subjects must be co-enrolled in protocol 03-C-0277.

Exclusion criteria

  • Participants who are nursing because of the potentially dangerous effects of the treatment on the infant.
  • Ongoing need for pharmacological immunosuppression, including steroids
  • Active systemic infections (e.g.: requiring anti-infective treatment), coagulation disorders or any other active or uncompensated major medical illnesses
  • Major bronchial occlusion or bleeding not amenable to palliation.
  • Any form of primary immunodeficiency (such as Severe Combined Immunodeficiency Disease and AIDS).
  • Concurrent opportunistic infections (The experimental treatment being evaluated in this protocol depends on an intact immune system. Patients who have decreased immune competence may be less responsive to the experimental treatment and more susceptible to its toxicities.)
  • History of severe immediate hypersensitivity reaction to any of the agents used in this study.
  • For select patients with a clinical history prompting cardiac evaluation: last known LVEF \<= 45%.
  • For select patients with a clinical history prompting pulmonary evaluation: known FEV1 \<= 50%
  • Any of the following will exclude patients from the high-dose aldesleukin arm, but may be eligible for the low-dose aldesleukin arm:
  • Greater than 2 invasive thoracic procedures
  • Poor exercise tolerance
  • Greater than 66 years of age
  • Clinically significant patient history which in the judgment of the Principal Investigator would compromise the patient s ability to tolerate high-dose.
  • Patients who are receiving any other investigational agents.

Where

  • Bethesda, Maryland

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 8, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations

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1 of 85 participants interested
1% interest

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What participation can include

  • Study-related care provided by the research team
  • Close monitoring by medical professionals
  • Possible compensation for time and travel*
  • The option to withdraw at any time
  • Contributing to medical research that may help future patients

*Compensation varies by study. Confirm details with coordinator.

Typical next steps

  1. 1.Submit this form
  2. 2.Phone screening
  3. 3.In-person assessment if eligible
  4. 4.Begin participation

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Looking for Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Treatment in Bethesda?

Join others in Maryland exploring innovative treatment options through clinical research

Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Treatment Options in Bethesda, Maryland

If you're searching for Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer treatment in Bethesda, participating in a clinical research study may provide access to innovative approaches under expert medical supervision. This study is actively recruiting participants in Bethesda and surrounding areas.

Clinical trials offer participants the opportunity to receive cutting-edge treatments while contributing to medical research that may help future patients with Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. All study-related care is provided at no cost to participants.

Local Sites
1 locations in Maryland
Now Enrolling
Up to 85 participants
Quick Start
Screening available now

Why Consider a Clinical Trial for Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer?

Potential Benefits

  • Access to new treatment approaches before public availability
  • Close monitoring by experienced medical professionals
  • Study-related care provided at no cost
  • Contribute to medical research for Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

What to Expect

  • Initial screening to determine eligibility
  • Regular check-ups and monitoring visits
  • Possible compensation for time and travel
  • You can withdraw at any time

Frequently Asked Questions About This Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Study

Important Clinical Trial Information

This information is provided for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Clinical trial participation involves potential risks and benefits. Eligibility requirements apply and will be assessed during the screening process.

Study identifier: NCT02133196. For complete study details, visit ClinicalTrials.gov. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making decisions about your medical care or participating in clinical research.