Supercharged immune cells injected into brain to fight tumors

NCT ID NCT02442297

Ongoing Disease control Sponsor: Baylor College of Medicine Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026

Summary

This early-phase trial tests a new approach for people with HER2-positive brain tumors that have come back or not responded to standard treatment. Researchers take the patient's own T cells, attach a special antibody (anti-HER2) to them, and inject these 'CAR T cells' directly into the brain. The goal is to find a safe dose and see if this can help fight the cancer.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: HER2-specific CAR T cells
What this could lead to: If this works, it could point toward a new way to treat hard-to-cure brain tumors by using the patient's own immune cells to attack cancer.
What could go wrong: This is a very early, small phase 1 trial with only 10 participants, focused on safety and dosing. The CAR T cells may not last long in the body, and there is no guarantee they will shrink tumors or improve survival.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

brain cancer brain neoplasm central nervous system cancer primary brain neoplasm

As listed by the trial registrant

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

BRAIN TUMOR RECURRENT BRAIN TUMOR, REFRACTORY

Contacts and locations

Locations

Houston Methodist Hospital

Houston, Texas, 77030, United States
Texas Children's Hospital

Houston, Texas, 77030, United States

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