NCT03721068 · UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center
Study of CAR T-Cells Targeting the GD2 With IL-15+iCaspase9 for Relapsed/Refractory Neuroblastoma or Relapsed/Refractory Osteosarcoma
What this study is about
The body has different ways of fighting infections and disease. No single way seems perfect for fighting cancer. This research study combines two different ways of fighting disease: antibodies and T cells. Antibodies are molecules that fight infections and protect your body from diseases caused by bacteria and toxic substances.
View original scientific description
The body has different ways of fighting infections and disease. No single way seems perfect for fighting cancer. This research study combines two different ways of fighting disease: antibodies and T cells. Antibodies are molecules that fight infections and protect your body from diseases caused by bacteria and toxic substances. Antibodies work by sticking to those bacteria or substances, which stops them from growing and causing bad effects. T cells are special infection-fighting blood cells that can kill other cells, including tumor cells or cells that are infected. Both antibodies and T cells have been used to treat patients with cancers. They both have shown promise, but neither alone has been enough to cure most patients. This multicenter study is designed to combine both T cells and antibodies in order to create a more effective treatment. The treatment that is being researched is called autologous T lymphocyte chimeric antigen receptor cells (CAR) cells targeted against the disialoganglioside (GD2) antigen that express Interleukin (IL)-15, and the inducible caspase 9 safety switch (iC9), also known as iC9.GD2.CAR.IL-15 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 the Study:
- Written HIPAA authorization signed by legal guardian.
- Adequate performance status as defined by Lansky or Karnofsky performance status of ≥ 60 (Lansky for \<16 years of age).
- Life expectancy ≥12 weeks.
- Histological confirmation of neuroblastoma or ganglioneuroblastoma at initial diagnosis. Bone marrow samples are acceptable as confirmation of neuroblastoma, confirmation of osteosarcoma at diagnosis
- High-risk neuroblastoma with persistent/refractory or relapsed disease, defined as:
- First or greater relapse of neuroblastoma following completion of aggressive multi-drug frontline therapy.
- First episode of progressive neuroblastoma during aggressive multi-drug frontline therapy. Persistent/refractory neuroblastoma as defined by less than a complete response by the revised International Neuroblastoma Response Criteria (INRC) at the conclusion of at least 4 cycles of aggressive multidrug induction chemotherapy on or according to a high-risk neuroblastoma protocol (such as A3973 or ANBL0532).
- Patients must be diagnosed with high risk neuroblastoma at initial diagnosis or if non-high risk at time of initial diagnosis must have had evidence of metastatic progression when \>18 months of age as defined in the protocol or relapsed or refractory osteosarcoma that is not responsive to standard treatment.
- Measurable or evaluable disease per Revised INRC for subjects with neuroblastoma or measurable disease by Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors Criteria (RECIST) v1.1 criteria for subjects with osteosarcoma.
- Adequate central nervous system function as defined by:
- No known Central Nervous System ( CNS) disease
- No seizure disorder requiring antiepileptic drug therapy
Exclusion criteria
- for the Study Subjects meeting any of the following exclusion criteria will not be able to participate in this study (procurement, lymphodepletion, and cell infusion).
- Pregnant or breastfeeding (NOTE: breast milk cannot be stored for future use while the mother is being treated on study).
- Has a known additional malignancy that is active and/or progressive requiring treatment.
- History of hypersensitivity reactions to murine protein-containing products.
- History of hypersensitivity to cyclophosphamide or fludarabine.
Where
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Chapel Hill, North Carolina
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 Mar 27, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations