Supercharged immune cells take on nasopharyngeal cancer
NCT ID NCT02065362
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This early-stage trial tests whether specially trained immune cells (T cells) that are resistant to a cancer's defense protein (TGF-beta) can safely fight EBV-positive nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Fourteen patients with relapsed or hard-to-treat cancer will receive these gene-modified cells, some after mild chemotherapy to help the cells survive longer. The main goal is safety, but researchers will also track how long the cells last in the blood.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- DNR.NPC-specific T cells (gene-modified immune cells)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a more effective treatment for EBV-positive nasopharyngeal carcinoma by helping immune cells resist tumor defenses.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very early Phase 1 trial with only 14 participants, so it may not show clear benefit. Risks include side effects from the gene-modified cells or chemotherapy.
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
Locations
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Texas Children's Hospital
Houston, Texas, 77030, United States