Engineered t cells take on chest cancer in new trial

NCT ID NCT02414269

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This study tests a treatment using a patient's own immune cells (T cells) that are genetically modified to recognize and attack a protein called mesothelin found on cancer cells. The treatment is given through a tube in the chest to people with malignant pleural disease, including mesothelioma and lung or breast cancer that has spread to the chest lining. The first phase checks safety and dosing, while the second phase adds the drug pembrolizumab to see if the combination works better.

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 T cells (iCasp9M28z) and pembrolizumab

What this could lead to

If successful, this could offer a new treatment option for malignant pleural disease, including mesothelioma, by harnessing the immune system to attack cancer cells.

What could go wrong

This is an early-phase trial (phase I/II) with a small number of participants, so safety and effectiveness are not yet proven. There are risks of side effects from the modified T cells and pembrolizumab, such as infusion reactions or immune-related inflammation.

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.

breast cancer breast neoplasm lung cancer lung neoplasm malignant pleural mesothelioma mesothelioma metastatic neoplasm Neoplasm Metastasis pleural cancer

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Memorial Sloan Kettering Basking Ridge (Consent and Follow-Up)

    Basking Ridge, New Jersey, United States

  • Memorial Sloan Kettering Bergen (Consent and Follow-Up)

    Montvale, New Jersey, 07645, United States

  • Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (Consent and Follow-Up)

    New York, New York, 10065, United States

  • Memorial Sloan Kettering Commack (Consent and Follow-Up)

    Commack, New York, United States

  • Memorial Sloan Kettering Monmouth (Consent and Follow-Up)

    Middletown, New Jersey, 07748, United States

  • Memorial Sloan Kettering Westchester (Consent and Follow-Up)

    Harrison, New York, 10604, United States