New treatment using engineered T cells for pediatric solid tumors

Interleukin-15 Armored Glypican-3-specific Chimeric Antigen Receptor Expressing Autologous T Cells as Immunotherapy for Children With Solid Tumors

Phase 1 Interventional Baylor College of Medicine · NCT04377932

This study is testing a new treatment using specially modified immune cells to see if it can help children and young adults with certain hard-to-treat tumors.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 1
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment24 (estimated)
Ages1 Year to 21 Years
SexAll
SponsorBaylor College of Medicine Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsCAR T, chemotherapy, prednisone, chimeric antigen receptor, cyclophosphamide, fludarabine, Cytoxan
Locations1 site (Houston, Texas)
Trial IDNCT04377932 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates a novel approach to treating pediatric solid tumors by using genetically engineered T cells that target Glypican 3 (GPC3), a protein found on certain cancer cells. Participants will undergo lymphodepletion chemotherapy to prepare their immune system before receiving the engineered T cells. The study aims to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of this treatment in children and young adults with GPC3-positive tumors that have not responded to standard therapies. Approximately 15-24 subjects will be enrolled to assess the potential benefits of this innovative therapy.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are children and young adults aged 1 to 21 with GPC3-positive solid tumors.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of hypersensitivity to murine proteins or active infections may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could provide a new option for children with difficult-to-treat solid tumors.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies using CAR T cell therapies have shown promise, indicating potential for success with this novel approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Procurement Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosis of GPC3-positive\* solid tumors (as determined by immunohistochemistry with an extent score of \>=Grade 2 \[\>25% positive tumor cells\] and an intensity score of \>= 2 \[scale 0-4\]).
* Age ≥ 1 year and ≤ 21 years
* Life expectancy of ≥ 16 weeks
* Lansky or Karnofsky score ≥60%
* Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer Stage A, B or C (for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma only
* Child-Pugh-Turcotte score \<7 (for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma only)
* Informed consent explained to, understood by and signed by patient/guardian. Patient/guardian given copy of informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of hypersensitivity reactions to murine protein-containing products OR presence of human anti-mouse antibody (HAMA) prior to enrollment (only patients who have received prior therapy with murine antibodies)
* History of organ transplantation
* Known HIV positivity
* Active bacterial, fungal or viral infection (except Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C virus infections)

Treatment Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age ≥ 1 year and ≤ 21 years
* Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer Stage A, B or C (for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma only)
* Lansky or Karnofsky score ≥ 60%
* Child-Pugh-Turcotte score \< 7 (for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma only)
* Adequate organ function:
* Creatinine clearance as estimated by Cockcroft Gault or Schwartz ≥ 60 ml/min
* serum AST\< 5 times ULN
* total bilirubin \< 3 times ULN for age
* INR ≤1.7 (for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma only)
* absolute neutrophil count \> 500/microliter
* platelet count \> 25,000/microliter (can be transfused but must be at that level prior to treatment)
* Hgb ≥7.0 g/dl (can be transfused but must be at that level prior to treatment)
* pulse oximetry \>90% on room air
* Refractory or relapsed disease after treatment with up- front therapy and at least one salvage treatment cycle
* Recovered from acute toxic effects of all prior chemotherapy and investigational agents before entering this study
* Sexually active patients must be willing to utilize one of the more effective birth control methods for 3 months after the T-cell infusion.
* Informed consent explained to, understood by and signed by patient/ guardian. Patient/guardian given copy of informed consent

Exclusion Criteria

* Pregnancy or lactation
* Uncontrolled infection
* Systemic steroid treatment (greater than or equal to 0.5 mg prednisone equivalent/kg/day, dose adjustment or discontinuation of medication must occur at least 24 hours prior to CAR T cell infusion)
* Known HIV positivity
* Active bacterial, fungal or viral infection (except Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C virus infections)
* History of organ transplantation
* History of hypersensitivity reactions to murine protein-containing products OR presence of human anti-mouse antibody (HAMA) prior to enrollment (only patients who have received prior therapy with murine antibodies)

Where this trial is running

Houston, Texas

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 Liver CancerRhabdomyosarcomaMalignant Rhabdoid TumorLiposarcomaWilms TumorYolk Sac Tumor15.GPC3-CAR T cellsGPC3
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.