Supercharged immune cells take on tough cancers in early human test
NCT ID NCT05103631
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This early-phase trial tests a new experimental treatment called CATCH T cells in up to 12 adults with certain solid tumors (like liver cancer or Wilms tumor) that have returned or not responded to standard care. The cells are the patient's own T cells, genetically modified in the lab to recognize a protein called GPC3 on cancer cells and to produce IL15, which helps them survive longer. The main goal is to find a safe dose and watch for side effects, while also checking if the tumors shrink.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- CATCH T cells (genetically modified immune cells that target GPC3 and produce IL15)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a new treatment option for several hard-to-treat solid tumors that have not responded to standard therapy.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very early (Phase 1) and small (12 patients) trial focused on safety, not effectiveness. The cells may not shrink tumors, and there are risks of serious side effects like cytokine release syndrome.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Phase 1
The first testing in people. Mainly checks safety and dose, usually in a small group.
- Participants
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12 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Jun 2021
- Expected to finish
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Dec 2040
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Procurement Eligibility Inclusion Criteria: * Relapsed or refractory GPC3-positive\* solid tumors (as determined by immunohistochemistry with an extent score of \>=Grade 2 \[\>25% positive tumor cells\] and an intensity score of \>= 2 \[scale 0-4\]). * Age ≥18 years * Lansky or Karnofsky score ≥60% * Life expectancy ≥16 weeks * Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer Stage A, B or C (for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma only) * Child-Pugh-Turcotte score \<7 (for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma only) * Informed consent explained to, understood by and signed by patient/guardian. Patient/guardian given copy of informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * History of hypersensitivity reactions to murine protein-containing products OR presence of human anti-mouse antibody (HAMA) prior to enrollment (only patients who have received prior therapy with murine antibodies). * History of organ transplantation * Known HIV positivity * Active bacterial, fungal or viral infection (except Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C virus infections) Treatment Eligibility Inclusion Criteria: * Age ≥ 18 years * Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer Stage A, B or C (for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma only) * Life expectancy of ≥ 12 weeks * Lansky or Karnofsky score ≥ 60% * Child-Pugh-Turcotte score \< 7 (for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma only) * Adequate organ function: * Creatinine clearance as estimated by Cockcroft Gault or Schwartz ≥ 60 ml/min * serum AST\< 5 times ULN * total bilirubin \< 3 times ULN for age * INR ≤1.7 (for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma only) * absolute neutrophil count \> 500/μl * platelet count \> 25,000/μl (can be transfused) * Hgb ≥ 7.0 g/dl (can be transfused) * Pulse oximetry \>90% on room air * Refractory or relapsed disease after treatment with up- front therapy and at least one salvage treatment cycle * Recovered from acute toxic effects of all prior chemotherapy and investigational agents before entering this study * Sexually active patients must be willing to utilize one of the more effective birth control methods for 3 months after the T-cell infusion. * Informed consent explained to, understood by and signed by patient/guardian. Patient/guardian given copy of informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Pregnancy or lactation * Uncontrolled infection * Systemic steroid treatment (≥ 0.5 mg prednisone equivalent/kg/day, dose adjustment or discontinuation of medication must occur at least 24hrs prior to CAR T cell infusion) * Known HIV positivity * Active bacterial, fungal or viral infection (except Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C virus infections) * History of organ transplantation * History of hypersensitivity reactions to murine protein-containing products OR presence of human anti-mouse antibody (HAMA) prior to enrollment (only patients who have received prior therapy with murine antibodies)
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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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Houston Methodist Hospital
Houston, Texas, 77030, United States
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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