NCT05620342 · UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center
Autologous CAR T-Cells Targeting the GD2 Antigen for Lung Cancer
What this study is about
This is a phase 1, single-center, where both patients and doctors know the treatment given study that enrolls adult subjects with extensive stage lung cancer or stage IV non-small cell lung cancer that is platinum-refractory and received PD-1 and/or PD-L1 therapy.
View original scientific description
This is a phase 1, single-center, open-label study that enrolls adult subjects with extensive stage lung cancer or stage IV non-small cell lung cancer that is platinum-refractory and received PD-1 and/or PD-L1 therapy. The purpose of this study is to test the safety of using a new treatment called autologous T lymphocyte chimeric antigen receptor cells against the GD2 antigen (iC9-GD2.CAR.IL-15 T cells) in subjects with lung cancer. How much (dose) of the iC9-GD2.CAR.IL-15 T cells are safe to use without causing too many side effects and what is the maximum dose that could be tolerated will be studied. Modified immune cells as an experimental treatment that combines antibodies and T cells will be used. Antibodies are proteins that protect the body from foreign invaders like bacteria. T cells, also called T lymphocytes, are special infection-fighting blood cells that can kill viruses and other cells, including tumor cells. Although antibodies and T cells have been used to treat cancer and they both have shown promise, neither alone has been able to cure most patients. This study will combine T cells and antibodies to create a more effective treatment. The treatment that is being researched in this study is called autologous T lymphocyte chimeric antigen receptor cells targeted against the disialoganglioside (GD2) antigen that expresses Interleukin (IL)-15, and the inducible caspase 9 safety switch (iC9). The short name for this treatment is iC9.GD2.CAR.IL-15 T cells therapy is an experimental therapy and has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. There are two steps. In the first step, blood will be collected from the subjects to prepare the iC9-GD2.CAR.IL-15 T cells. T cells will be isolated from the blood and modified to make iC9-GD2.CAR.IL-15. In the second step, the iC9-GD2.CAR.IL-15 T cells produced from the subject's own blood will be administered to the subject.
Interventions
BIOLOGICAL
iC9.GD2.CAR.IL-15 T Infusion
iC9-GD2.CAR.IL-15 T-cells product will be administered via intravenous injection over 5 - 10 minutes.
Primary outcome measures
Number of participants with adverse event
Time frame: Up to 4 weeks
The number of participants with adverse events (AE)s will be reported as a measure of the safety and tolerability of C9.GD2.CAR.IL-15 T. AEs will be classified and graded according to the National Cancer Institute's Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (NCI-CTCAE) version 5.0. Grade 1 Mild; asymptomatic or mild symptoms; clinical or diagnostic observations only; intervention not indicated. Grade 2 Moderate; minimal, local, or noninvasive intervention indicated; limiting age-appropriate instrumental Activities of Daily Living (ADL). Grade 3 Severe or medically significant but not immediately life-threatening; hospitalization or prolongation of hospitalization indicated; disabling; limiting self-care ADL. Grade 4 Life-threatening consequences; urgent intervention indicated. Grade 5 Death related to AE.
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 (Symptomatic Management): Fever ≥38\^ o C, No hypotension, No hypoxia, Grade 2 - Moderate (Moderate Intervention): Fever ≥38\^ o C, Hypotension not requiring vasopressors, Hypoxia requiring low-flow nasal cannula (≤6 L/minute) or blow-by, Grade 3 - Severe (Aggressive Intervention): 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 (Life-sustaining intervention): 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: Death.
Neurotoxicity
Time frame: Up to 4 weeks
Neurotoxicity will be graded according to the American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy (ASTCT) Immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS) Consensus Grading criteria. ICANS grading criteria are outlined in the protocol on a scale from 1 (mild) to 4 (critical) based on the Immune Effector Cell-Associated Encephalopathy (ICE) Score. Grade 1:Score: 7-9 (mild impairment), Grade 2:Score: 3-6 (moderate impairment), Grade 3: Score: 0-2 (severe impairment), Grade 4: Score: Subject in critical condition, and/or obtunded and cannot perform an assessment of tasks.
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
- Written informed consent to undergo cell procurement explained to, understood by, and signed by the subject.
- Subject has a life expectancy of ≥ 12 weeks.
- Subject must be platinum-refractory and either currently receiving or has previously received a PD1/PDL1 inhibitor
- Use of systemic corticosteroids at doses ≥10 mg prednisone daily or it's equivalent; those receiving \<10 mg daily may be enrolled at the discretion of the investigator.
- Female subjects of childbearing potential must have a negative serum pregnancy test within 72 hours prior to cell procurement.
- Subject has demonstrated adequate organ function.
Exclusion criteria
- 1 . Subject has less than 12 weeks of life expectancy. 2\. Subject did not receive platinum-based chemotherapy 3\. Subject does not have adequate organ function.
Where
- Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Collaborators
Bellicum Pharmaceuticals, United States Department of Defense, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
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 Feb 5, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations