Donor immune cells show promise against Virus-Linked cancers

NCT ID NCT02287311

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

Summary

This study tests a new treatment for cancers linked to the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), such as Hodgkin lymphoma and nasopharyngeal carcinoma. The treatment uses immune cells from healthy donors that are specially trained to attack EBV-infected cells. These cells are stored in a bank and given to patients who have not responded to standard treatments. The main goal is to check if the cells are safe and to see if they can shrink tumors.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

MABEL CTLs (immune cells from healthy donors trained to attack EBV-infected cells)

What this could lead to

If this works, it could offer a faster, off-the-shelf treatment option for patients with EBV-positive cancers that have not responded to standard therapies.

What could go wrong

This is an early phase 1 trial with only 38 participants, so it is too soon to know if the treatment is effective. There is also a risk of side effects like immune reactions or the cells not lasting long enough.

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.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for NON HODGKIN LYMPHOMA are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma classic Hodgkin lymphoma Epstein-Barr virus-associated lymphoproliferative disorder Hodgkins lymphoma immunodeficiency 32B leiomyosarcoma nasopharyngeal carcinoma non-Hodgkin lymphoma smooth muscle tumor T-cell and NK-cell neoplasm

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Houston Methodist Hospital

    Houston, Texas, 77030, United States

  • Texas Children's Hospital

    Houston, Texas, 77030, United States