Supercharged immune cells take on advanced cancers in tiny trial

NCT ID NCT01697527

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

Summary

This phase 2 trial tests a new approach for people with advanced cancers that have not responded to other treatments. Doctors take a patient's own white blood cells, genetically modify them to recognize a protein called NY-ESO-1 found on some cancer cells, and infuse them back after mild chemotherapy. A special vaccine is also given to boost the immune response. Only 6 participants are enrolled, making this a very early look at whether the strategy is safe and shows promise.

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 (NY-ESO-1 TCR-engineered T cells) plus a vaccine (NY-ESO-1 pulsed dendritic cells) and interleukin-2

What this could lead to

If successful, this approach could point toward a new treatment option for advanced cancers that express the NY-ESO-1 protein.

What could go wrong

This is a very small, early-phase trial with only 6 participants, so results may not apply broadly. The treatment involves strong chemotherapy and carries risks like infection and organ damage.

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.

cancer neoplasm

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA )

    Los Angeles, California, 90095, United States