Engineered immune cells take aim at Hard-to-Treat brain tumors

NCT ID NCT04214392

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jul 01, 2026 · Updated 3 times

Summary

This early-stage trial tests a new type of CAR T-cell therapy designed to target a protein called MMP2 found on glioblastoma cells. The treatment uses a scorpion toxin fragment (chlorotoxin) to help the immune cells find and attack the tumor. Nineteen patients with recurrent or progressive glioblastoma will receive the cells directly into the brain to assess safety and the best dose.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

Chlorotoxin-targeted CAR T-cells

What this could lead to

If successful, this could point toward a new treatment option for recurrent glioblastoma, a brain cancer with few effective therapies.

What could go wrong

This is a very early phase 1 trial with only 19 participants, so safety and dosing are still being determined. The treatment may not shrink tumors or improve survival, and there are risks like cytokine release syndrome.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

glioblastoma glioma grade II glioma grade III glioma malignant glioma

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • City of Hope Medical Center

    Duarte, California, 91010, United States