Gene-Engineered cells take on advanced cancer in early trial

NCT ID NCT00923806

Terminated Disease control Sponsor: National Cancer Institute (NCI) Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This early-phase trial tested a gene therapy approach for metastatic cancer that produces a protein called CEA. Researchers took white blood cells from patients, added a gene to help them target CEA, and infused them back along with chemotherapy and a drug called IL-2. Only 3 people took part before the study was stopped, so results are very limited.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: genetically modified immune cells (anti-CEA TCR cells) and aldesleukin (IL-2)
What this could lead to: If successful, this approach could point toward a new treatment for metastatic cancers that express CEA.
What could go wrong: This was a very early, small trial that was terminated early. It is unclear if the treatment is safe or effective, and it may not work for most patients.

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.

colorectal cancer metastatic malignant neoplasm Neoplasm Metastasis

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

METASTATIC CANCER

Contacts and locations

Locations

National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, 9000 Rockville Pike

Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, United States

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