Immune cells take on rare bile duct cancer in early trial

NCT ID NCT03801083

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

Summary

This early-phase trial tests whether a patient's own immune cells, called tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL), can shrink advanced bile duct cancers. Four participants receive chemotherapy to prepare their immune system, then an infusion of their own TIL cells plus high-dose aldesleukin. The goal is to see if tumors shrink or disappear.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) plus high-dose aldesleukin

What this could lead to

If it works, this could point toward a new treatment option for patients with advanced biliary tract cancers who have run out of standard therapies.

What could go wrong

This is a very early, small phase 2 trial with only 4 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The treatment involves intensive chemotherapy and high-dose aldesleukin, which can cause serious side effects.

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.

biliary tract cancer biliary tract neoplasm Biliary Tract Neoplasms carcinoma of the ampulla of vater cholangiocarcinoma extrahepatic bile duct carcinoma gallbladder cancer intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • UPMC Hillman Cancer Center

    Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15232, United States