CAR T-cell therapy targeting folate receptor-alpha for ovarian cancer
Phase I clinical trial of adoptive transfer of autologous folate receptor-alpha redirected CAR T cells for ovarian cancer
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA · NIH-11182602
This trial gives patients with recurrent ovarian cancer their own T cells, engineered to target folate receptor-alpha and delivered into the abdomen to try to shrink tumors.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11182602 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If your tumor makes high levels of folate receptor-alpha, doctors will collect some of your T cells and use a harmless virus to reprogram them to recognize that protein. The engineered cells are expanded in the lab and then infused directly into your abdominal cavity (intraperitoneally) at gradually increasing doses. You will be closely monitored for side effects, how long the cells persist, and whether tumors shrink or symptoms improve. The initial goal is to find a safe dose and look for early signs of benefit in people with recurrent FRα-positive ovarian cancer.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with recurrent ovarian cancer whose tumors overexpress folate receptor-alpha and who are medically fit for cell collection and intraperitoneal infusion are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients whose tumors do not express folate receptor-alpha, who are too frail for cell collection or intraperitoneal treatment, or who have disqualifying infections are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could provide a durable, targeted immune therapy that shrinks FRα-positive ovarian tumors and prolongs remission.
How similar studies have performed: FRα-targeting antibody-drug conjugates and bispecific T-cell therapies have produced modest, short-lived responses, while FRα CAR T cells show strong anti-tumor effects in preclinical models but limited clinical data so far.
Where this research is happening
PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA — PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: POWELL, DANIEL J. — UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
- Study coordinator: POWELL, DANIEL J.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.