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NCT07192900 · David Bartlett, MD

Fast TILs to Treat Metastatic Cancer Patients With Pleural Disease

((RIOT 4A))

What this study is about

This research study aims to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a novel immunotherapy, Fast TIL, an Adoptive Cellular Therapeutic (ACT), to fight cancer that has spread to the pleura or pleural mesothelioma. The ACT product is created at AHN West Penn using the participant's pleural infiltrating T-cells (PIT).

View original scientific description

This research study aims to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a novel immunotherapy, Fast TIL, an Adoptive Cellular Therapeutic (ACT), to fight cancer that has spread to the pleura or pleural mesothelioma. The ACT product is created at AHN West Penn using the participant's pleural infiltrating T-cells (PIT). It is administered through a pleural catheter along with the drug Interleukin-2 (IL-2). Based on previous research it is believed that it may help fight the tumor and relieve symptoms. As a participant, their pleural fluid will be collected and the PIT cells will be isolated and expanded in the lab to create the ACT product. Before receiving the ACT product through their pleural catheter, they will undergo outpatient lymphodepleting chemotherapy. LDC is a standard procedure for many approved immunotherapy treatments Following the infusion, they'll receive IL-2 through the catheter for two days to stimulate the expanded PIT cells. The active treatment phase lasts about three weeks, with follow-up visits over five years at AHN West Penn Hospital, potentially requiring a hospital stay of up to six days. Blood samples will be taken to monitor their response. As this is a first-in-human study, treatment carries an unknown risk up to and including death from toxicity. However, the risks of similar immunotherapy treatments are well documented.

Interventions

BIOLOGICAL

locally manufactured adoptive cellular therapy (ACT) product

Single dose, intrapleural delivery (via indwelling pleural catheter) of adoptive cellular therapy (ACT) product derived from autologous pleural infiltrating T-cells.

DRUG

Interleukin-2

Low dose Interleukin-2 (IL-2) will also be administered intrapleural at the dose of 20 milliliters (mL) at 1 x 10⁵ International Units (IU)/mL starting approximately 2 hours after ACT infusion and every 8 to 16 hours thereafter, as tolerated, for up to 4 doses (total 8 x 10⁶ IU).

Primary outcome measures

Document the feasibility of local manufacture of ACT product from drained pleural effusions using the CliniMACS Prodigy® device

Time frame: 30 days

flow cytometry for cellular ACT identity

Document the feasibility of local manufacture of ACT product from drained pleural effusions using the CliniMACS Prodigy® device

Time frame: 30 days

cytotoxicity assays for ACT potency

Document the feasibility of local manufacture of ACT product from drained pleural effusions using the CliniMACS Prodigy® device

Time frame: 30 days

flow cytometry for cellular ACT purity

To demonstrate the safety of intrapleural administration of the locally manufactured ACT product plus Interleukin 2 (IL-2) to study patients

Time frame: 5 years

incidence of Treatment-Emergent Adverse Events (Safety) of intrapleural administration of the locally manufactured ACT product, as assessed by Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) version 5.0.

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 with symptomatic, biopsy-proven malignant to the pleura, or mesothelioma with pleural effusions. Patients must have received and be refractory to available standard of care (SOC) therapy specific to their cancer type and must have exhausted or failed available standard of care with clinical benefit.
  • Patients will be ≥ 18 and \< 80 years of age.
  • Female patients of childbearing potential must have a negative urine or serum pregnancy test and if sexually active must use an acceptable method of contraception, including abstinence, a barrier method (diaphragm or condom), an injectable contraceptive (such as Depo-Provera), or an oral contraceptive. Active contraception should continue for at least 6 months after ACT administration. Male participants must be willing to practice birth control from the time of enrollment on this study and for 6 months after receiving the preparative regimen.
  • Cardiac ejection fraction ≥ 0.45 by Multiple-Gated Acquisition (MUGA) or echocardiography.
  • No requirement for supplemental oxygen and no dyspnea immediately after effusion drainage.
  • Karnofsky performance score ≥ 70.
  • Patients must have an expected survival \> 12 weeks.
  • Patients must be able to comprehend the risks and methods used in this clinical trial and independently consent to participate.
  • Patients must consent to collection of demographic and clinical data.

Exclusion criteria

  • Patients with breast, kidney, lung, pancreatic, prostate, ovarian, rare cancers, and melanoma.
  • Infection with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and active viral replication. Patients with an undetectable viral load on Anti-retroviral Therapy (ART) can be considered for participation on this protocol.
  • Infection with hepatitis B and active viral replication.
  • Infection with hepatitis C and active viral replication.
  • Patients currently being treated for bacterial, fungal or viral infection.
  • Documented myocardial infarction within 6 months of study participation and/or symptomatic coronary artery or valvular disease or uncontrolled arrhythmia.
  • Investigational drug use within 30 days before effusion collection.
  • Cytotoxic anti-cancer or radiation therapy administration within 2 weeks of effusion collection. The exclusion does not apply to patients receiving monoclonal antibody therapy targeting immune checkpoint molecules.
  • Corticosteroid therapy \> 10 milligrams (mg) of prednisone (biological equivalent) daily within 2 weeks before effusion collection.
  • Immunosuppressive therapy that cannot be stopped for 4 weeks prior to effusion collection as deemed by the prescribing physician.
  • Laboratory abnormalities that indicate clinically significant hematological, hepatobiliary, or renal disease: AST/SGOT \> 2.0 times the upper limit of normal ALT/SGPT \> 2.0 times the upper limit of normal Total bilirubin \> 2.0 times the upper limit of normal, unless patient has Gilbert Syndrome (\>3.0 times the upper limit of normal) Hemoglobin \< 8 gm/dL or dependent upon transfusion to maintain ≥ 8 gm/dL White blood cell count \< 2,000/mm3 Platelet count \< 100,000/mm3 or dependent upon transfusion to maintain ≥ 100,000 mm3 Creatinine \> 2.0 times the upper limit of normal or calculated creatinine clearance ≤ 40 mL/min.
  • Pregnant or lactating females.
  • Prior solid organ transplantation
  • Patients who, in the opinion of the Investigator, will be non-compliant with study schedules or procedures.
  • Patients who belong to a vulnerable population such as the homeless, the developmentally disabled and prisoners or have any condition that impairs their ability to provide informed consent or comply with study schedules or procedures.
  • Patients with documented anaphylaxis as a result of penicillin allergy.

Where

  • Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Collaborators

Miltenyi Biotec, Inc., Iovance Biotherapeutics, Inc., UPMC Hillman Cancer Center

Related conditions & keywords

Malignant Pleural EffusionMalignant MesotheliomaPleural Effusion, MalignantMetastasis to Pleurapleural infiltrating T cellsCliniMACS ProdigyAdoptive Cellular Therapeuticimmunotherapyautologous tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL)

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 Jan 15, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations

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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
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Malignant Pleural Effusion Treatment Options in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

If you're searching for Malignant Pleural Effusion treatment in Pittsburgh, participating in a clinical research study may provide access to innovative approaches under expert medical supervision. This study is actively recruiting participants in Pittsburgh 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 Malignant Pleural Effusion. All study-related care is provided at no cost to participants.

Local Sites
1 locations in Pennsylvania
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Up to 10 participants
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Why Consider a Clinical Trial for Malignant Pleural Effusion?

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 Malignant Pleural Effusion

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 Malignant Pleural Effusion 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: NCT07192900. 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.