NCT04318678 · St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
CD123-Directed T-Cell Therapy for Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (CATCHAML)
What this study is about
The CD123-CAR T-cell therapy is a new treatment that is being investigated for treatment of AML/myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), T- or B- acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) or blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasia (BPDCN). The purpose of this study is to find the maximum (highest) dose of CD123-CAR T cells that is safe to give to these patients.
View original scientific description
The CD123-CAR T-cell therapy is a new treatment that is being investigated for treatment of AML/myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), T- or B- acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) or blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasia (BPDCN). The purpose of this study is to find the maximum (highest) dose of CD123-CAR T cells that is safe to give to these patients. This would include studying the side effects of the chemotherapy, as well as the CD123-CAR T-cell product on the recipient's body, disease and overall survival. Primary Objective: * To determine the safety of one intravenous infusion of escalating doses of autologous, CD123-CAR T cells in patients (≤21 years) with recurrent/refractory CD123+ disease (AML/MDS, B-ALL, T-ALL or BPDCN) after lymphodepleting chemotherapy. * To determine the safety of an intravenous infusion of escalating doses of donor derived, CD123-CAR T cells in patients (≤21 years) with recurrent/refractory CD123+ disease (AML/MDS, B-ALL, T-ALL, BPDCN or MPAL) after lymphodepleting chemotherapy. Secondary Objectives \- To evaluate the antileukemia activity of CD123-CAR T cells.
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
- for Procurement and T-cell Production:
- Age ≤21 years old
- Relapsed/refractory CD123+ disease defined as follows: AML/MDS
- Relapsed disease: Patients developing recurrent disease after a first complete remission (CR)
- Refractory disease: Patients not achieving a CR after 2 cycles of induction chemotherapy B-cell ALL
- Relapsed disease that is CD123 positive and CD19 negative/dim or patients otherwise ineligible for CD19 directed therapies including
- Patients in 2nd or greater relapse
- Patients with relapse after allogeneic HSCT
- Refractory disease that is CD123 positive and CD19 negative/dim or patients otherwise ineligible for CD19 directed therapies T-cell All • Relapsed refractory disease that is CD123 positive BPDCN • Relapsed/refractory disease that has failed front-line therapy
- Estimated life expectancy of \>12 weeks
- Karnofsky or Lansky (age-dependent) performance score ≥50
- Patients with a history of prior allogeneic HCT must be clinically recovered from prior HCT therapy, have no evidence of active GVHD and have not received a donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI) within the 28 days prior to apheresis
- Patient must have an identified, suitable HCT donor
- For females of child-bearing age:
- Not lactating with intent to breastfeed
- Not pregnant with negative serum pregnancy test within 7 days prior to enrollment
- Meets eligibility criteria to undergo autologous apheresis, or have previously undergone autologous apheresis
Exclusion criteria
- Known primary immunodeficiency
- History of HIV infection
- Severe intercurrent uncontrolled bacterial, viral or fungal infection (e.g. active hepatitis B or C infection or adenovirus infection)
- History of hypersensitivity reactions to murine protein-containing products
- Patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL, t (15;17))
- Known contraindication to the protocol defined lymphodepleting chemotherapy regimen of fludarabine/cyclophosphamide. Inclusion Criteria for Treatment:
- Age≤21 years old
- Detectable disease that is CD123+ (at least MRD+ disease)
- Estimated life expectancy of \>8 weeks
- Karnofsky or Lansky (age-dependent) performance score≥50
- Patients with a history of prior allogeneic HCT must be clinically recovered from prior HCT therapy, have no evidence of active GVHD and have not received a donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI) within the 28 days prior to planned infusion
- Patient must have an identified, suitable HCT donor
- Adequate cardiac function defined as left ventricular ejection fraction \>40%, OR shortening fraction ≥25%
- EKG without evidence of clinically significant arrhythmia
- Adequate renal function defined as creatinine clearance or radioisotope GFR ≥50 ml/min/1.73m2 (GFR ≥40 ml/min/1.73m2 if \< 2 years of age)
- Adequate pulmonary function defined as forced vital capacity (FVC)≥50% of predicted value; or pulse oximetry≥92% on room air if patient is unable to perform pulmonary function testing
- Total Bilirubin≤3 times the upper limit of normal for age, except in subjects with Gilbert's syndrome
- Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) OR aspartate aminotransferase (AST) ≤5 times the upper limit of normal for age
- Has recovered from all NCI CTAE grade III-IV, non-hematologic acute toxicities from prior therapy
- For females of child-bearing age
- Not lactating with intent to breastfeed
- Not pregnant with negative serum pregnancy test within 7 days prior to enrollment
- If sexually active, agreement to use birth control until 3 months after T- cell infusion. Male partners should use a condom.
- Available autologous transduced T-cell product that has met GMP release criteria Exclusion Criteria:
- Known primary immunodeficiency
- History of HIV infection
- Severe intercurrent uncontrolled bacterial, viral or fungal infection
- History of hypersensitivity reactions to murine protein-containing products
- History of severe hypersensitivity reactions to cornstarch or hydroxyethyl starch.
- Receiving systemic steroids therapy exceeding the equivalent of 0.5 mg/kg/day of methylprednisolone, in the 7 days prior to CD123-CAR T- cell infusion
- Receiving systemic therapy in the 14 days prior to CD123-CAR T-cell infusion, which will interfere with the activity of the CD123-CAR T cells in vivo (in the opinion of the study PI(s))
- Receiving rituximab therapy in the 30 days prior to CD123-CAR T cell infusion. (This exclusion criterion is intended to prevent premature exposure of CD123-CAR T cells to rituximab, which would activate the safety switch and promote CAR T-cell apoptosis).
- Receiving intrathecal chemotherapy in the 7 days prior to CD123-CAR T cell infusion.
- Known contraindication to the protocol defined lymphodepleting chemotherapy regimen of fludarabine/cyclophosphamide.
- Active CNS disease
Where
- Memphis, Tennessee
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 May 19, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations