Immune cell boost shows promise against childhood cancers

NCT ID NCT01875601

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This early-phase trial tested whether giving activated natural killer (NK) cells, with or without a protein called rhIL15, is safe and feasible for children and young adults with solid tumors that didn't respond to other treatments. Sixteen participants received chemotherapy to lower their immune system, then infusions of their own lab-grown NK cells. Some also got rhIL15 to help the cells work better. The main goals were to see if the cells could be made in large enough numbers and if the treatment caused serious side effects.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

activated natural killer (NK) cells and recombinant human interleukin-15 (rhIL15)

What this could lead to

If this works, it could point toward a new treatment option for children and young adults with solid tumors that haven't responded to standard therapies.

What could go wrong

This is a very early phase 1 trial with only 16 participants, so it's mainly checking safety and feasibility. The treatment may not shrink tumors or work for everyone, and there are risks from chemotherapy and the NK cell infusion.

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.

brain cancer brain neoplasm childhood malignant neoplasm childhood neoplasm neuroblastoma refractory malignant neoplasm sarcoma

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • National Institutes of Health Clinical Center

    Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, United States