NCT06096038 · UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center
Autologous CAR-T Cells Targeting CSPG4 in Relapsed/Refractory HNSCC
What this study is about
The purpose of this study is to test the safety and how well patients handle the treatment of using a new treatment called autologous T lymphocyte chimeric antigen receptor cells against the CSPG4 antigen (iC9.CAR-CSPG4 T cells) in patients with head and neck cancer that came back after receiving standard therapy for this cancer. The iC9.
View original scientific description
The purpose of this study is to test the safety and tolerability of using a new treatment called autologous T lymphocyte chimeric antigen receptor cells against the CSPG4 antigen (iC9.CAR-CSPG4 T cells) in patients with head and neck cancer that came back after receiving standard therapy for this cancer. The iC9.CAR-CSPG4 treatment is experimental and has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. How many (dose) of the iC9.CAR. CSPG4 T cells are safe to use in patients without causing too many side effects, and what is the maximum dose that could be tolerated will be investigated. The information collected from the study would help cancer patients in the future. There are two parts to this study. In part 1, blood will be collected to prepare the iC9.CAR-CSPG4 T cells. Disease fighting T cells will be isolated and modified to prepare the iC9.CAR-CSPG4 T cells. In part 2, the iC9.CAR-CSPG4 T cells are given by infusion after completion of lymphodepletion chemotherapy. The data from the dose escalation will be used to determine a recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D), which will be decided based on the maximum tolerated dose (MTD). Additionally, recommended phase 2 dose will be tested. Eligible subjects will receive lymphodepletion chemotherapy standard followed by infusion of iC9-CAR.CSPG4 T cells. After treatment completion or discontinuation, subjects will be followed since involving gene transfer experiments.
Interventions
DRUG
Cyclophosphamide
cyclophosphamide 300 mg/meter square IV
DRUG
Fludarabine
fludarabine 30 mg/meter square IV × 3 days
BIOLOGICAL
Cell Therapy
the autologous T lymphocyte chimeric antigen receptor cells against the CSPG4 antigen iC9-CAR.CSPG4 T cell infusion iC9-CAR.CSPG4 T cell infusion
Primary outcome measures
Toxicity: NCI-CTCAE
Time frame: Up to 4 weeks
Toxicity will be graded as the Number of participants with adverse events (AE)s AEs will be classified and graded according to the National Cancer Institute's Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (NCI-CTCAE) version 5.0. Dose Limiting Toxicities (DLTs) is defined as at least possibly related to CAR.B7-H3T cell product administration.
Toxicity: Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS)
Time frame: Up to 4 weeks
CRS will be graded according to the American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy (ASTCT) CRS Consensus Grading. Grade 1 - Mild: Fever ≥38\^ o C, No hypotension, No hypoxia, Grade 2 - Moderate: Fever ≥38\^ o C, Hypotension not requiring vasopressors, Hypoxia requiring low-flow nasal cannula (≤6 L/minute) or blow-by, Grade 3 - Severe: Fever ≥ 38\^ o C, Hypotension requiring a vasopressor with or without vasopressin, Hypoxia requiring high-flow nasal cannula (\>6 L/minute), facemask, nonrebreather mask, or Venturi mask, Grade 4 - Life-threatening: Fever ≥38\^oC, Hypotension requiring multiple vasopressors (excluding vasopressin), Hypoxia requiring positive pressure (e.g. Continuous positive airway pressure, BiPAP, intubation, mechanical ventilation), Grade 5 - Death
Toxicity: Immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS)
Time frame: Up to 4 weeks
Neurotoxicity will be graded according to the Immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS) criteria. Immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS) symptoms will be graded according to the criteria outlined in the protocol on a scale from 1 (mild) to 4 (critical). Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) will be graded according to criteria outlined in the protocol on a scale from 1 (mild) to grade 5 (death).
Dose Limiting Toxicity
Time frame: Up to 4 weeks
An event will be considered a Dose limiting toxicity per NCI CTCAE version 5.0, the CRS Grading and ICANS grading criteria. * Grade 3-5 allergic reactions related to the CAR-T cell infusion. * A treatment-emergent Grade 3 CRS that does not improve to Grade 0-1 by 72 hours or Grade 4 CRS * Grade ≥3 ICANS that is unresponsive to the standard of care interventions and does not decrease to Grade ≤1 within 7 days or grade 4 ICANS of any duration that has evidence of cerebral edema and/or generalized convulsive status epilepticus. * Any treatment-emergent Grade 4 non-hematologic AE that does not resolve to Grade 2 within 7 days. * Any Grade 5 events are not due to the underlying malignancy.
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
- Unless otherwise noted, subjects must meet all of the following criteria to participate in all phases of the study:
- Written informed consent and HIPAA authorization for release of personal health information explained to, understood by and signed by the subject; subject given a copy of the informed consent form.
- Age ≥ 18 years at the time of consent.
- Karnofsky score of \> 60%
- Histologically or cytologically confirmed stage recurrent/metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck as defined by American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC). This includes squamous cancer of: oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx and larynx.
Exclusion criteria
- Subject with a history or current severe progressive heart disease (congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, uncontrolled arterial hypertension, uncontrolled arrhythmia, or myocardial infarction in the past 6 months.
- Subject with a history of stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) within 12 months before procurement.
- Subject with a history of severe immediate hypersensitivity reaction to cyclophosphamide or fludarabine.
Where
- Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Collaborators
Bellicum Pharmaceuticals, National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Related conditions & keywords
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 Jul 8, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations