Supercharged t cells take on childhood cancers
NCT ID NCT04377932
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This early-phase trial tests a new immunotherapy called AGAR T cells in children with solid tumors such as liver cancer, Wilms tumor, and rhabdomyosarcoma that have returned or not responded to standard care. The cells are made from the patient's own T cells, which are genetically modified to recognize a protein (GPC3) found on many solid tumors and to produce IL15, a protein that helps them survive longer. The main goals are to find a safe dose and to see if the cells can shrink tumors.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- AGAR T cells (genetically engineered immune cells with GPC3-CAR and IL15)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a new treatment option for children with hard-to-treat solid tumors that have come back or not responded to standard therapy.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very early (Phase 1) and small trial (14 participants), so it is mainly checking safety and dosing. The treatment may not shrink tumors, and there are risks of serious side effects like cytokine release syndrome or nerve problems.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Texas Children's Hospital
Houston, Texas, 77030, United States
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