Methylene blue added to treat CAR‑T–related CRS and ICANS
Official title: Exploration of Efficacy and Safety of Adjunctive Methylene Blue in the Treatment of Immunotherapy-related CRS and ICANS: A Prospective, Single-arm, Phase I Clinical Study
Run by Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, China · NCT07169487 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study will test whether giving methylene blue alongside standard care helps people who develop CRS or ICANS after CAR‑T cell or bispecific antibody therapy.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 1 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 18 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, China Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | CAR-T, immunotherapy, tocilizumab, cetuximab, ruxolitinib |
| Locations | 1 site (Tianjin, Tianjin Municipality) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 28, 2025 |
| Main results expected | June 28, 2028 |
| Study ends | June 28, 2030 |
| Registry record updated | September 11, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT07169487 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults (≥18) with hematologic malignancies who received CAR‑T cells or bispecific antibodies and then develop ASTCT grade ≥1 CRS or ICANS, with LVEF >45%, estimated life expectancy ≥3 months, and no contraindications to methylene blue (eg, G6PD deficiency).
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with G6PD deficiency, known methylene blue allergy, pregnancy or breastfeeding, significant uncontrolled cardiac conduction disease, or other listed exclusions (including HIV seropositivity where disallowed) are not eligible and would not receive benefit from this protocol.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This is a Phase I, prospective, single‑arm 3+3 dose‑escalation trial testing adjunctive intravenous methylene blue in patients who develop ASTCT grade ≥1 CRS or ICANS after CAR‑T or bispecific antibody therapy. Participants will be enrolled into three escalating dosing cohorts (1, 2, and 3 mg/kg IV once daily) with treatment given for 3–5 consecutive days and close monitoring of vital signs, laboratory inflammatory markers, and neurological status. Dosing decisions will follow standard 3+3 safety rules and concomitant standard supportive treatments (eg, tocilizumab, steroids) are permitted. The trial builds on preclinical data suggesting methylene blue can reduce CRS/ICANS signs and protect neurovascular integrity without impairing T‑cell antitumor activity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, methylene blue could reduce the severity or duration of immunotherapy‑related CRS and ICANS while preserving antitumor immune function.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical studies report benefit for methylene blue in models of CRS/ICANS, but clinical evidence is very limited and this Phase I study represents one of the first clinical tests for this indication.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Diagnosed with hematologic malignancies based on cytomorphology and immunophenotyping; age ≥18 years. 2. Received immunotherapy (e.g., CAR-T cells, bispecific antibodies) and developed CRS or ICANS of ASTCT Grade ≥1. 3. Estimated life expectancy ≥3 months. 4. Male and female participants of childbearing potential agree to use effective contraception. 5. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) \>45% by echocardiography. 6. Ability to understand and sign informed consent and willingness to comply with study requirements. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. 2. Known allergy to methylene blue. 3. Pregnant or breastfeeding women. 4. Known HIV seropositivity. HIV testing may be required according to local laws or regulations. 5. History of clinically significant ventricular arrhythmia, unexplained syncope (not vasovagal), sinoatrial block, or higher-degree atrioventricular (AV) block with chronic bradycardia (unless a permanent pacemaker is implanted). 6. Psychiatric disorders that may interfere with completion of treatment or informed consent. 7. Any other condition deemed unsuitable for participation by the investigator.
Where it's running
-
Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital
Tianjin, Tianjin Municipality, China Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jianxiang Wang — Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, China
- Study coordinator: Jianxiang Wang
- Email: wangjx@ihcams.ac
- Phone: +862223909120
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.