Clinical trial Recruiting at 13 sites Observational Ages 18 and up

Analyzing solid tumors for HLA loss and collecting T cells for CAR T-cell therapy

Official title: An Observational Study Obtaining Solid Tumor Tissue From Participants and Apheresis for CAR T-Cell Therapy Manufacturing

Run by A2 Biotherapeutics Inc. · NCT04981119 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing how often solid tumors lose a key protein that helps the immune system recognize them, while also collecting T cells from patients with high-risk cancers to prepare for future CAR T-cell therapy.

More Colorectal Cancer trials

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment500 (estimated)
SponsorA2 Biotherapeutics Inc.
Industry-sponsored
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy, CAR T
Locations16 sites (Gilbert, Arizona and 15 other locations)
StatusRecruiting
StartedOctober 29, 2021
Main results expectedDecember 2028
Study endsApril 2029
Registry record updatedOctober 26, 2026
Trial IDNCT04981119 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates include adults with pathologically confirmed metastatic or unresectable solid tumors at high risk for relapse.

Probably not a fit

Patients with a history of certain other malignancies or prior stem cell or solid organ transplants may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to evaluate the frequency of Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) loss in solid tumors using next generation sequencing. Participants with high-risk solid tumors, such as colorectal cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, and pancreatic cancer, will be screened and may undergo apheresis to collect their T cells for potential future CAR T-cell therapy. The study will involve approximately 1000 participants, with a focus on understanding tumor escape mechanisms and preparing for personalized immunotherapy. No interventional treatments will be administered during the study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to personalized CAR T-cell therapies for patients with solid tumors, improving treatment outcomes.

How similar studies have gone: While the approach of analyzing HLA loss in tumors is gaining interest, this specific methodology of combining HLA analysis with apheresis for CAR T-cell therapy is relatively novel.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Key Eligibility Criteria (additional criteria may apply) Part 1 Key Inclusion Criteria

1\. Pathologically confirmed solid tumors, e.g., Colorectal Cancer (CRC), Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC), or Pancreatic Cancer (PANC), that is metastatic, unresectable locally advanced, or in the Investigator's opinion the subject is high risk for incurable relapse within two years.

Part 1: Key Exclusion Criteria

1. History of any of other malignancy in the past 5 years other than non-melanoma skin carcinoma, low grade localized prostate cancer, superficial bladder cancer, ductal carcinoma in situ (CIS) of the breast, CIS of the Cervix, or Stage I uterine cancer.
2. Prior allogeneic stem cell transplant.
3. Prior solid organ transplant.

Part 2 : Key Inclusion Criteria

1. Pathologically confirmed solid tumors, e.g., Colorectal Cancer (CRC), Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC), Pancreatic Cancer (PANC), Mesothelioma, or Ovarian Cancer (OVAC) that is metastatic, unresectable locally advanced, or in the Investigator's opinion the subject is high risk for incurable relapse within two years.
2. Participants are germline HLA-A\*02 heterozygous confirmed by HLA typing.
3. Primary tumor tissue showing LOH of HLA-A\*02 by NGS testing.
4. Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) 0 or 1 performance status.

Part 2: Key Exclusion Criteria

1. History of any of other malignancy in the past 5 years other than non-melanoma skin carcinoma, low grade localized prostate cancer, superficial bladder cancer, ductal carcinoma in situ (CIS) of the breast, CIS of the Cervix, or Stage I uterine cancer.
2. Prior allogeneic stem cell transplant.
3. Prior solid organ transplant.
4. Participants who have received any cancer therapy on any investigational therapy for any indication, including but not limited to chemotherapy, small molecules, monoclonal antibodies, or radiotherapy (with bone marrow impact) within 2 weeks of planned apheresis or 3 half-lives, whichever is shorter.
5. Known active bacterial, viral, fungal, mycobacterial, parasitic, or other infection (excluding fungal infections of nail beds) at study enrollment necessitating specific treatment, or any major episode of infection requiring treatment with Intravenous (IV) antimicrobials (e.g., IV antibiotics) or hospitalization (relating to completion of antibiotic course).
6. Has known active central nervous system metastases. Subjects with previously treated brain metastases may participate upon medical monitor agreement.
7. In the Investigator's judgement, any other condition or reason the subject would not complete the required study visits and procedures, and follow up visits, or comply with the study requirements for participation.

Where it's running

  • Banner Health
    Gilbert, Arizona, United States
    Recruiting
  • Mayo Clinic Hospital
    Phoenix, Arizona, United States
    Recruiting
  • University of California San Diego
    La Jolla, California, United States
    Recruiting
  • Stanford University
    Palo Alto, California, United States
    Recruiting
  • UCLA Medical Center
    Santa Monica, California, United States
    Recruiting
  • Mayo Clinic Jacksonville
    Jacksonville, Florida, United States
    Recruiting
Show 10 more locations
  • Moffitt Cancer Center
    Tampa, Florida, United States
    Recruiting
  • Mayo Clinic Rochester
    Rochester, Minnesota, United States
    Recruiting
  • Washington University
    St Louis, Missouri, United States
    Recruiting
  • NYU Langone Medical Center
    New York, New York, United States
    Recruiting
  • The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center
    Columbus, Ohio, United States
    Recruiting
  • Vanderbilt University Medical Center
    Nashville, Tennessee, United States
    Recruiting
  • Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
    Seattle, Washington, United States
    Recruiting
  • City of Hope
    Duarte, California, United States
    Completed
  • Massachusetts General Hospital/Dana Farber Cancer Institute
    Boston, Massachusetts, United States
    Completed
  • MD Anderson Cancer Center
    Houston, Texas, United States
    Completed

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

  • Evaluating a new CAR T-cell therapy for solid tumors expressing MSLN

    This study is testing a new CAR T-cell therapy to see if it can safely treat adults with solid tumors like colorectal and lung cancer that express a specific protein.

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  • CAIX-targeted 18F-T2 PET/CT imaging in solid tumors

    This study tests a CAIX-specific radioactive tracer to see if PET/CT can help visualize solid tumors and checks safety and radiation exposure in adults with certain cancers.

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  • Evaluating zanidatamab for HER2-expressing tumors

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  • Evaluating a new CAR T-cell therapy for solid tumors expressing EGFR

    This study is testing a new CAR T-cell therapy to see if it can safely help adults with certain solid tumors, like colorectal and lung cancer, that have specific markers.

    Recruiting at 10 sites Phase 1/2 A2 Biotherapeutics Inc. · Gilbert, Arizona and 9 other locations · NCT06682793

  • Evaluating NKT3964 for Adults with Advanced Solid Tumors

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  • Testing MGC026 in patients with advanced solid tumors

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How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.