Cancer drug repurposed to calm brain inflammation in autoimmune disease

NCT ID NCT07686042

First seen Jul 06, 2026 · Last updated Jul 07, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether a low dose of blinatumomab, a drug originally used for leukemia, can help people with severe autoimmune encephalitis or cerebellitis that hasn't responded to standard treatments. The drug targets and depletes certain immune cells (B cells) that are mistakenly attacking the brain. Participants receive two short cycles of the drug by IV, and researchers track changes in symptoms, daily function, and side effects over 48 weeks.

What this could mean

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

Active substance
blinatumomab
What this could lead to
If it works, this could offer a new treatment option for people with severe, treatment-resistant autoimmune brain inflammation.
What could go wrong
This is a small, early-phase study with only 12 participants and no placebo group, so results may not apply broadly. Blinatumomab can cause serious side effects like cytokine release syndrome or infections.

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

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University

    Beijing, Beijing Municipality, 100070, China

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

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