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.
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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About 14 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Start date
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Feb 2015
- Expected to finish
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Feb 2033
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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Children (under 18), adults (18 to 64) and older adults (65 and over)
- 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.
Inclusion Criteria: The patient must meet the following eligibility inclusion criteria at the time of PROCUREMENT: * Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma in first or subsequent relapse or with primary refractory disease * EBV positive tumor * Informed consent explained to, understood by and signed by patient/guardian. Patient/guardian given copy of informed consent The patient must meet the following eligibility criteria to be included for TREATMENT: * Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma in first or subsequent relapse or with primary refractory disease * EBV positive tumor * Patients with life expectancy greater than or equal to 6 weeks * Bilirubin less than or equal to 3x upper limit of normal * AST less than or equal to 5x upper limit of normal * ANC\>750/microliter * Platelets \> 50,000/microliter * Hgb ≥ 7.0g/dl (can be transfused) * Creatinine less than or equal to 2x upper limit of normal for age, Creatinine clearance (as estimated by Cockcroft Gault or Schwartz) greater than or equal to 60 ml/min * Pulse oximetry of \> 90% on room air * Off investigational therapy for 4 weeks prior to study entry * Karnofsky or Lansky score of greater than or equal to 50% * Sexually active patients must be willing to utilize one of the more effective birth control methods during the study and for 6 months after the study is concluded. The male partner should use a condom. * Informed consent explained to, understood by and signed by patient/guardian. Patient/guardian given copy of informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: At time of Procurement: •Known HIV positivity At time of Treatment: * Pregnant or lactating * Severe intercurrent infection
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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