Anti-CCR9 CAR T-cell therapy for T‑cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and lymphoblastic lymphoma

Fratricide-Resistant Autologous Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cells Targeting CCR9 for the Treatment of T Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia/ Lymphoma

Phase 1 Interventional University College, London · NCT07300683

We will try anti-CCR9 CAR T cells made from your own blood to find a dose that is safe for children and adults with relapsed or refractory T‑cell leukaemia or lymphoma.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 1
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment24 (estimated)
SexAll
SponsorUniversity College, London Academic / other
Drugs / interventionscyclophosphamide, fludarabine, CAR T, CAR-T, chemotherapy
Locations1 site (London)
Trial IDNCT07300683 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This Phase 1 trial uses autologous CAR T cells engineered to target CCR9 and modified to resist fratricide. After blood collection, patients receive a short course of lymphodepleting chemotherapy and a single intravenous CAR T-cell infusion, followed by at least two weeks of inpatient monitoring. The study follows a dose-escalation format to identify safety, tolerability, and a recommended dose while monitoring for expected side effects such as cytokine release syndrome and neurologic events. Participants return for approximately a dozen clinic visits over two years with blood tests, bone marrow biopsies and imaging as needed.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are children and adults with relapsed or refractory CCR9‑positive T‑ALL or T‑LBL who have received the required prior lines of chemotherapy and meet organ function and performance-status criteria.

Not a fit: Patients with CCR9‑negative disease, active uncontrolled infections (including hepatitis B, C or HIV), active CNS involvement, significant organ dysfunction, uncontrolled graft‑versus‑host disease, or who require high-dose steroids are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could produce remissions in some patients with relapsed or refractory CCR9‑positive T‑cell leukaemia or lymphoma who have limited treatment options.

How similar studies have performed: CAR T-cell therapy has been highly effective for B‑cell cancers, but CAR T approaches for T‑cell malignancies are relatively novel and technically challenging, making the anti‑CCR9 approach an early-stage strategy with limited prior clinical data.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Key Inclusion Criteria:

* Relapsed or refractory T-ALL/T-LBL following at least one (≥18 years old) or two (\<18 years old) standard prior lines of combination cytotoxic therapy
* CCR9-positive disease as assessed by flow cytometry
* T-LBL patients only: Patients must have measurable disease
* Agreement to have a pregnancy test, use adequate contraception (if applicable)
* Written informed consent

Key Exclusion Criteria:

* ECOG performance score \>2 (patients aged ≥10 years old) OR Lanksy score ≤50% (patients aged \<10 years old)
* Stem Cell Transplant patients only: active significant acute GvHD or moderate/severe chronic GvHD requiring immunosuppressive therapy and/or systemic steroids
* Active CNS involvement of disease
* Active hepatitis B, C or HIV infection
* Oxygen saturation ≤90% on air
* Bilirubin \>3 x upper limit of normal
* GFR \<30 ml/min
* Cardiac dysfunction
* Patients receiving corticosteroids at a supraphysiological dose that cannot be discontinued
* Known allergy to any component of the ATIMP
* Any contraindications to lymphodepletion or to the use of cyclophosphamide or fludarabine as per local SmPC
* Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding
* Life expectancy \<3 months
* Fulminant or rapidly progressive disease

Where this trial is running

London

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions T Cell Acute Lymphoblastic LeukemiaT Cell Lymphoblastic LymphomaFRACTALLFratricide-ResistantCCR9CAR T cells
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.