RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Exploration of Adaptive Antitumoral Immune Cells Through Lymphapheresis in Cancer Patients : ALCYTA

This study, called ALCYTA, aims to find and understand special immune cells in people with cancer. Researchers are interested in patients whose immune system activity is either helping to fight the cancer or causing side effects. By collecting blood, including a special procedure called lymphapheresis, they hope to detect specific immune cells that are trained to recognise and attack cancer. The goal is to learn more about how the immune system works in cancer and how different treatments can affect it, which could lead to better ways to help patients in the future. This is not a new treatment study, but rather a way to gather important information.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Institut Curie

Enrolment target

300

Start

31 Aug 2022

Estimated completion

03 Sep 2027

Cancer Immune System or Toxicities Suspected

What is this study about?

The ALCYTA study is all about understanding how your body's amazing defence system, called the immune system, works when you have cancer. Sometimes, the immune system naturally tries to fight cancer cells, and sometimes, treatments can help it do an even better job. On the other hand, a very active immune system can sometimes cause side effects, almost like it's working too hard.

Researchers in this study want to find special immune cells that are specifically trained to spot and attack cancer. They're looking at patients who are either showing signs that their immune system is successfully battling the cancer, or those who are experiencing side effects that might be linked to their immune system reacting strongly. This isn't a study testing new cancer treatments, but rather a detective mission to understand these immune cells better.

By gathering this information, scientists hope to learn more about how the immune system behaves in different cancer patients. This knowledge could be really important. It might help them develop better ways to monitor how well treatments are working, understand why some people respond better than others, and even lead to new and more effective cancer treatments in the future.

Key takeaways

The study explores immune cells in cancer patients.
It aims to understand how the immune system fights cancer or causes side effects.
Participation involves giving blood samples, including a special procedure called lymphapheresis.
The goal is to improve knowledge, not to provide direct treatment.
Your contribution could help future cancer patients.
You can withdraw from the study at any time.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be at least 18 years old and have a confirmed or suspected cancer. You should also be receiving treatments that affect your immune system, or your doctors believe your immune system might be involved in how your cancer is behaving or causing side effects. It's important that you have healthy veins for blood samples and a good number of immune cells in your blood.

There are also some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you have certain infections like HIV or hepatitis, or if you're taking high doses of steroids. Serious heart, lung, or liver problems, or being pregnant, would also prevent you from taking part. If a special blood collection procedure called lymphapheresis isn't safe for you, you also wouldn't be able to join.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Do you have a cancer diagnosis (confirmed or suspected)?
Are you currently receiving treatments that affect your immune system?
Can you comfortably participate in blood draws and a special blood collection procedure?
Are you not pregnant or are you using effective contraception if you could become pregnant?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, the main thing you'll be doing is providing blood samples. There will be at least two blood samples taken, and one of these will involve a special procedure called lymphapheresis. This procedure is a bit like donating blood, but instead of taking whole blood, a machine separates out specific immune cells and then returns the rest of your blood to you. It usually takes a few hours.

Before you start, you'll have a meeting with the study team to fully understand what's involved and sign a consent form. While the study doesn't involve new medications, the researchers will be looking at cells influenced by treatments you're already receiving. The exact number of visits and the full duration of your participation will be explained to you by the study team, as it can vary slightly depending on your specific situation.

Potential risks and benefits

The main benefit of taking part in this study is that you would be contributing to scientific knowledge about cancer and the immune system. While there's no direct treatment benefit for you personally, your contribution could help doctors understand cancer better and potentially lead to improved treatments for future patients. As for risks, providing blood samples usually involves minor discomfort like a needle stick or bruising. The lymphapheresis procedure has some small risks, similar to blood donation, such as dizziness or a temporary drop in calcium, but these are generally well-managed. Remember, your participation is completely voluntary, and you have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without it affecting your ongoing medical care.

Locations (2)

Institut Curie
Verified postcode
Paris, France· Recruiting
Institut Curie
Verified postcode
Saint-Cloud, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is lymphapheresis?

It's a special blood drawing process where a machine separates certain immune cells and then returns the rest of your blood to you.

Will this study give me new cancer treatment?

No, this study is for gathering information about your immune system, not for testing new treatments.

How long will I be involved in the study?

The study team will explain the exact duration, but it typically involves a few visits for blood collection.

Will I find out my results from the study?

The study collects information from many patients to understand cancer generally; individual results are usually not shared directly with participants.

Who is paying for this research?

The details of funding will be included in the information given to you by the study team.

How to find out more

Cyrine EZZILI, PhD

cyrine.ezzili@curie.fr 0033147111657 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.