Dual-target CAR-NK therapy for adults with recurrent or progressive glioblastoma and other high-grade gliomas

A Phase 1, First-in-Human, Biomarker-Guided, Dose-Escalation and Expansion Study of Locoregional Dual-Targeting CAR-NK Cells Directed Against IL13Rα2, EGFR/EGFRvIII, and/or B7-H3 (CD276) in Adults With Recurrent or Progressive Glioblastoma or High-Grade Glioma

Phase 1 Interventional Beijing Biotech · NCT07551336

This study will try giving dual-target CAR-NK cells into the surgical cavity to see if they can help adults with recurrent or progressive glioblastoma or other high-grade gliomas.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 1
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment36 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
SponsorBeijing Biotech Industry-sponsored
Drugs / interventionsCAR-T, chimeric antigen receptor, immunotherapy
Locations1 site (Shenzhen, Guangdong)
Trial IDNCT07551336 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This first-in-human Phase 1 trial tests locoregional delivery of off-the-shelf allogeneic CAR-NK cells engineered to recognize two tumor antigens selected from IL13Rα2, EGFR/EGFRvIII, and B7-H3. Tumor tissue will be profiled by immunohistochemistry and molecular testing, and participants will be assigned to a biomarker-defined cohort receiving the dual-target construct best matched to their antigen profile. The investigational product includes a built-in safety switch and may include an IL-15 support module, with lymphodepleting cyclophosphamide and fludarabine given per protocol. Primary objectives focus on safety and feasibility with exploratory measures of anti-tumor activity guiding later decisions.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults (18–75) with recurrent or progressive glioblastoma or other high-grade glioma, KPS ≥ 60, adequate organ function, and tumor tissue showing expression of at least two of IL13Rα2, EGFR/EGFRvIII, or B7-H3.

Not a fit: Patients whose tumors do not express at least two of the target antigens, who have poor performance status, significant organ dysfunction, or who cannot undergo the required surgical biopsy/resection and locoregional catheter placement are unlikely to benefit.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a targeted immunotherapy that reduces tumor recurrence by attacking two antigens and lowering the chance of antigen-loss escape.

How similar studies have performed: Dual-target CAR-NK for high-grade glioma is largely novel, while prior single-target CAR-T/NK approaches have shown safety and occasional responses but limited durable benefit in early-phase studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 18 to 75 years at the time of consent.
* Histologically confirmed glioblastoma (WHO grade 4) or diffuse high-grade glioma (WHO grade 3 or 4) that is recurrent or progressive after standard therapy.
* Planned clinically indicated tumor resection or stereotactic biopsy (or availability of adequate archived tumor tissue) to support antigen testing and locoregional catheter placement.
* Tumor demonstrates expression of at least two of the following antigens above protocol-defined thresholds: IL13Rα2, EGFR (wild-type) and/or EGFRvIII, B7-H3 (CD276).
* Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) ≥ 60.
* Adequate organ function (hematologic, renal, hepatic) as defined by protocol laboratory criteria.
* Ability to undergo brain MRI with contrast (unless contraindicated and alternative imaging is permitted).
* Negative pregnancy test for women of childbearing potential; agreement to use effective contraception during study participation and for a protocol-defined period after infusion.
* Ability to understand and willingness to sign informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Active, uncontrolled infection (including uncontrolled bacterial, viral, or fungal infection).
* Known HIV infection with uncontrolled viral load; active hepatitis B or hepatitis C with detectable viral load (unless permitted per protocol).
* Clinically significant autoimmune disease requiring systemic immunosuppression within the past 6 months.
* Requirement for high-dose systemic corticosteroids (e.g., \>4 mg/day dexamethasone equivalent) within 7 days prior to lymphodepletion/infusion (physiologic replacement permitted).
* Prior gene-modified cellular therapy (e.g., prior CAR-T/CAR-NK) within 6 months, or prior therapy targeting IL13Rα2, EGFR/EGFRvIII, or B7-H3 where residual engineered cells could confound safety assessments.
* Diffuse leptomeningeal disease as the only site of disease, or anatomy that precludes safe catheter placement (unless specifically allowed by protocol).
* Uncontrolled seizures despite optimal medical therapy.
* Clinically significant cardiovascular disease (e.g., recent myocardial infarction, uncontrolled arrhythmia) that would increase risk with lymphodepletion or infusion procedures.
* Pregnant or breastfeeding.
* Any condition that, in the investigator's judgment, would make the participant unsuitable for the study or could interfere with protocol adherence.

Where this trial is running

Shenzhen, Guangdong

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 Malignant GliomaHigh-Grade GliomasGlioblastomaRecurrent High-Grade GliomasRecurrent GlioblastomaCAR-NKDual targetingBiomarker-guided
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.