Genetically modified cells injected into mouth lesions to stop cancer before it starts
NCT ID NCT07631013
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This early-phase trial tests whether specially engineered immune cells (NK cells) can safely treat high-risk precancerous spots in the mouth. The cells are injected directly into the lesions and are designed to target a protein called TROP2, while also resisting signals that normally shut them down. Up to 36 adults with widespread or multiple oral lesions will receive up to four injections over several weeks, with the main goal being safety and tolerability.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- engineered natural killer (NK) cells (TROP2-CAR/IL15 TGFBR2 KO NK cells)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could point toward a new way to treat or control high-risk oral lesions before they become cancer, potentially reducing the need for surgery.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very early Phase 1 trial with only 36 people, focused mainly on safety. The treatment may not shrink lesions or prevent cancer, and side effects from the engineered cells are unknown.
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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
-
MD Anderson Cancer Center
Houston, Texas, 77030, United States
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