Anti-CCR9 CAR T Cells for T Cell Leukaemia/Lymphoma
This research study is investigating a new type of treatment called anti-CCR9 CAR T cells for people with T cell leukaemia and lymphoma. These are types of cancer that affect certain white blood cells. The main goal is to check if this new treatment is safe and what the best dose is for both children and adults. The treatment involves taking a type of white blood cell from your own blood, specially changing them in a lab, and then putting them back into your body to fight the cancer. Participants will spend time in the hospital for treatment and be monitored closely afterwards through regular check-ups.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study is about a new and exciting way to treat T cell leukaemia and T cell lymphoma. These are serious types of cancer that affect certain white blood cells in your body. We are looking at a treatment called 'anti-CCR9 CAR T cells'. This treatment is quite special because it uses your own body's cells to fight the cancer.
Here's how it generally works: we take some of your T cells (a type of white blood cell) from your blood. In a special laboratory, these cells are changed so they can better recognise and attack the cancer cells. We then put these specially modified T cells back into your body. The main aim of this first study is to see if this treatment is safe for people with T cell leukaemia and lymphoma, and to figure out the best amount, or 'dose', to give.
Finding new and effective treatments for these challenging cancers is very important. This study is an early step in understanding if this particular approach could be a helpful option in the future. We're hoping to learn a lot about how these modified cells work in the body and if they can help patients.
Key takeaways
- Uses your own blood cells for a new cancer treatment.
- Aims to check safety and find the best dose.
- Involves hospital stays and regular follow-up appointments.
- Requires some chemotherapy before the main treatment.
- Cancer must show a specific marker to be eligible.
Who may be eligible?
To join this study, adults must have T-cell leukaemia or lymphoma that has come back or hasn't responded to at least one previous standard treatment. For children, the cancer must have returned or not responded after at least two standard treatments. Importantly, your cancer cells need to show a specific marker called CCR9 when tested.
There are also some important reasons why you might not be able to take part. For example, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if your cancer has spread to your brain or spinal cord. We also check your general health, including how well your heart, kidneys, and liver are working, and if you have certain active infections like hepatitis, as these could affect your safety during the study.
Also, your overall health and how well you can do daily activities are considered. If you are already taking high doses of certain medications that affect your immune system, or if you have specific reactions to medications used in the study, you might not be able to participate. All participants will need to agree to use effective birth control if there's a chance of pregnancy.
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.
- Do I have T cell leukaemia or lymphoma that has come back or not responded to previous treatment?
- Do my cancer cells show the CCR9 marker?
- Am I generally well enough to participate, with healthy organ function?
- Am I not pregnant or breastfeeding?
- Am I able to commit to regular hospital visits and follow-ups?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, the first step is to have some of your T cells collected from your blood. These cells will then be sent to a special lab where they are modified to become the anti-CCR9 CAR T cells. Before you receive these modified cells, you'll come into the hospital about a week beforehand for a short course of chemotherapy. This helps prepare your body to receive the new cells.
After this preparation, the anti-CCR9 CAR T cells will be given to you through a drip into your vein. You'll then need to stay in the hospital for at least two weeks so the medical team can closely monitor you. After you leave the hospital, you'll have regular follow-up appointments – about 12 visits over the first two years. These visits will include physical examinations, blood tests, bone marrow samples, and sometimes scans like CT or PET-CT scans, to check how you're doing and how the treatment is working. The total duration of participation varies but involves long-term follow-up.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- University College London HospitalsVerified postcodeLondon, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Common questions
What are CAR T cells?
CAR T cells are like a special type of white blood cell from your own body that have been reprogrammed in a lab to find and destroy cancer cells more effectively.
Will I have chemotherapy before receiving the CAR T cells?
Yes, you will have a short course of chemotherapy a week before receiving the CAR T cells. This helps prepare your body for the new treatment.
How long will I be in the hospital?
You will need to stay in the hospital for at least two weeks after receiving the CAR T cells so we can keep a close eye on you.
Will I need regular check-ups after leaving the hospital?
Yes, you will have regular check-ups, around 12 visits, over the first two years to monitor your health and the treatment's effects.
What sort of tests will I have during the study?
You will have physical exams, blood tests, bone marrow samples, and sometimes scans like CT or PET-CT to check on your health and the cancer.
How to find out more
FRACTALL Trial Manager
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
Community discussion
Powered by our forum at community.patient.info. Please be respectful — this is not medical advice.