Targeting a specific protein in brain tumors with CAR T cell therapy and nivolumab.

Clinical evaluation of IL13Ra2-targeted CAR T cell therapy in combination with nivolumab in patients with recurrent malignant glioma

['FUNDING_R01'] · BECKMAN RESEARCH INSTITUTE/CITY OF HOPE · NIH-10793527

This study is testing a new treatment for patients with recurring glioblastoma by using a special type of immune therapy called CAR T cell therapy, combined with another medication to help boost its effectiveness, and it's designed to see if this approach can safely improve how well the treatment works against the tumor.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorBECKMAN RESEARCH INSTITUTE/CITY OF HOPE (nih funded)
Locations1 site (DUARTE, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10793527 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates a novel treatment approach for patients with recurrent malignant gliomas, specifically glioblastoma, by using CAR T cell therapy that targets the IL13 receptor alpha 2 protein. The study combines this therapy with nivolumab, an immune checkpoint inhibitor, to enhance the effectiveness of the treatment against the challenging tumor microenvironment. Patients will receive this combination therapy to assess its safety and potential to improve tumor response. The research aims to gather insights on how to overcome the immunosuppressive factors present in solid tumors, which have historically limited the success of CAR T cell therapies.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with recurrent malignant gliomas, particularly those with glioblastoma who have not responded to standard treatments.

Not a fit: Patients with non-recurrent gliomas or those with other types of brain tumors may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new, effective treatment option for patients with aggressive brain tumors that currently have limited treatment options.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with CAR T cell therapies in hematologic malignancies, but this approach in solid tumors like glioblastoma is still being explored and is considered novel.

Where this research is happening

DUARTE, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.