Using special T cells to treat EBV-positive lymphoma

Administration of Rapidly Generated EBV-Specific Cytotoxic T-Lymphocytes To Patients With EBV-Positive Lymphoma

Phase 1 Interventional Baylor College of Medicine · NCT01555892

This study is testing a new treatment using special T cells to help people with EBV-positive Hodgkin's or non-Hodgkin lymphoma fight their cancer.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 1
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment136 (estimated)
SexAll
SponsorBaylor College of Medicine Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy, cyclophosphamide, fludarabine
Locations3 sites (Houston, Texas and 2 other locations)
Trial IDNCT01555892 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial focuses on patients with Hodgkin's or non-Hodgkin lymphoma that is associated with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Participants will have their blood drawn to create EBV-specific T cells, known as GRALE T cells, which are then injected back into the patient to target and destroy cancer cells infected by EBV. The treatment involves an initial two doses of GRALE T cells, with the possibility of additional doses if the lymphoma shows a reduction in size after the initial infusions. Patients will be monitored for up to five years to assess the effectiveness and safety of the treatment.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include patients of any age with EBV-positive Hodgkin's or non-Hodgkin lymphoma, or related lymphoproliferative diseases.

Not a fit: Patients with EBV-negative lymphomas or those who are not eligible for the treatment component may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could provide a novel and effective option for patients with EBV-positive lymphomas that have not responded to standard therapies.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise with similar approaches using engineered T cells to target EBV-infected cells, indicating potential for success in this novel application.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria at time of Procurement

1. Any patient, regardless of age or sex, with EBV-positive Hodgkin's or non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, (regardless of the histological subtype) or EBV (associated)-T/NK-lymphoproliferative disease or Severe Chronic Active EBV (CAEBV) who may subsequently be eligible for the treatment component
2. EBV positive tumor (can be pending at this time)
3. Weighs at least 12kg
4. Informed consent explained to, understood by and signed by patient/guardian. Patient/guardian given copy of informed consent.

Inclusion Criteria at time of Infusion

1. Any patient, regardless of age or sex, with EBV-positive Hodgkin's or non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (regardless of histologic subtype), or EBV (associated)-T/NK-lymphoproliferative disease or Severe Chronic Active EBV (CAEBV)\* and

   In second or subsequent relapse (or first relapse or with active disease if immunosuppressive chemotherapy contraindicated or multiply relapsed patients in remission who have a high risk of relapse)\*\* OR any patient with primary disease or in first remission if immunosuppressive chemotherapy is contraindicated, e.g. patients who develop Hodgkin disease after solid organ transplantation or if the Lymphoma is a second malignancy e.g. a Richter's transformation of CLL. (Group A)

   OR

   In remission or with minimal residual disease status after autologous or syngeneic SCT. (Group B)
2. EBV positive tumor
3. Patients with bilirubin less than or equal to 3x upper limit of normal, AST less than or equal 5x upper limit of normal, and hemoglobin greater than or equal to 7.0 (may be a transfused value).
4. Patients with a creatinine less than or equal to 2x upper limit of normal for age
5. Pulse oximetry of \> 90% on room air
6. Patients should have been off other investigational therapy for 4 weeks prior to entry in this study. PD1/PDL inhibitors will be allowed if medically indicated.
7. Patients with a Karnofsky/Lansky score of greater than or equal to 50
8. Sexually active patients must be willing to utilize one of the more effective birth control methods during the study and for 6 months after the study is concluded.
9. Informed consent explained to, understood and signed by patient/guardian. Patient/guardian given copy of informed consent.

   * CAEBV is defined as patients with high EBV viral load in plasma or PBMC (\> 4000 genomes per ug PBMC DNA) and/or biopsy tissue positive for EBV

     * Patients with relapsed or refractory lymphoma that are eligible for a stem cell transplant will not be treated on this study as an alternative to transplant.

Exclusion Criteria at Time of Procurement

1\. Active infection with HIV, HTLV, HBV, HCV (can be pending at this time)

Exclusion Criteria at Time of Infusion

1. Pregnant or lactating
2. Severe intercurrent infection.
3. Current use of systemic corticosteroids \> 0.5 mg/kg/day

Where this trial is running

Houston, Texas and 2 other locations

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 Hodgkin's DiseaseNon-Hodgkin's LymphomaLymphoproliferative DiseaseLymphomaEBVHodgkin's LymphomaLymphoma RelapseAutologous or Syngeneic Stem Cell Transplant
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.