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Dual-Targeting CAR-NK Cells for Recurrent/Progressive Glioblastoma and High-Grade Glioma

A Phase 1, First-in-Human, Biomarker-Guided, Dose-Escalation and Expansion Study of Locoregional Dual-Targeting CAR-NK Cells Directed Against IL13Rα2, EGFR/EGFRvIII, and/or B7-H3 (CD276) in Adults With Recurrent or Progressive Glioblastoma or High-Grade Glioma

Status
Recruiting
Phases
Phase 1
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT07480941
Acronym
DUAL-CAR-NK-GB
Enrollment
36
Registered
2026-03-18
Start date
2026-02-02
Completion date
2028-03-17
Last updated
2026-03-18

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Glioblastoma, High-grade Glioma, Malignant Glioma, Recurrent Glioblastoma, Recurrent High-grade Glioma

Keywords

CAR-NK, dual targeting, IL13Rα2, EGFR, EGFRvIII, B7-H3, CD276, locoregional, intracavitary, Ommaya reservoir, biomarker-guided

Brief summary

This is a draft, ClinicalTrials.gov-style example record for a first-in-human Phase 1 study evaluating locoregional administration of dual-targeting chimeric antigen receptor natural killer (CAR-NK) cells in adults with recurrent or progressive glioblastoma (GBM) or other high-grade glioma (HGG). Participants will undergo tumor antigen profiling for IL13Rα2, EGFR/EGFRvIII, and B7-H3 (CD276). Based on this assessment, each participant will receive the most suitable dual-target CAR construct to reduce antigen-escape risk.

Detailed description

Rationale: GBM/HGG is molecularly heterogeneous and may evade single-antigen immunotherapy via antigen loss or heterogeneous antigen expression. This study evaluates a dual-target CAR-NK strategy that can recognize two tumor-associated antigens selected from IL13Rα2, EGFR/EGFRvIII, and B7-H3 (CD276). Target assessment and cohort assignment: At screening, archived and/or fresh tumor tissue (from clinically indicated resection or biopsy) will be evaluated by immunohistochemistry (IHC) for IL13Rα2, EGFR, and B7-H3, and by molecular testing (e.g., RT-PCR or NGS) for EGFRvIII when applicable. Participants will be assigned to one of three biomarker-defined cohorts based on the two highest-priority antigens detected above protocol-defined thresholds. An internal review committee may recommend prioritizing one construct for later expansion based on emerging safety/feasibility/activity signals. Investigational product: The investigational products are off-the-shelf allogeneic CAR-NK cells manufactured from a standardized NK-cell source (e.g., iPSC-derived NK cells or a qualified NK master cell bank) and genetically modified to express a tandem (dual-target) CAR. The constructs include a built-in safety switch (e.g., inducible caspase-9) and may include an NK-support cytokine module (e.g., IL-15) to enhance persistence. The exact dual-target construct used for each participant depends on the screening antigen profile. Route of administration: CAR-NK cells will be delivered locoregionally to the surgical cavity wall and/or into the ventricular system via a neurosurgically placed catheter/reservoir, to maximize exposure at the tumor site while limiting systemic exposure. Dose escalation and expansion: Each biomarker-defined cohort follows a modified 3+3 dose-escalation schema with up to three dose levels (e.g., 1×10\^7, 3×10\^7, and 1×10\^8 CAR-NK cells per infusion). Dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) will be assessed during the first 28 days after the first infusion. After an RP2D is identified within a cohort, an expansion stage will further characterize safety and preliminary activity and may allow repeat infusions at the RP2D. Follow-up: Participants will be monitored closely for adverse events including cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS). Tumor response will be assessed with MRI using RANO criteria at regular intervals. Long-term follow-up for gene-modified cell therapy safety will be conducted per applicable guidance.

Interventions

Dual-target CAR-NK cells

DRUGCyclophosphamide

Cyclophosphamide

DRUGFludarabine

Fludarabine

DEVICEIntracranial catheter/reservoir for locoregional delivery

Intracranial catheter/reservoir for locoregional delivery

Sponsors

Beijing Biotech
Lead SponsorINDUSTRY

Study design

Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
SEQUENTIAL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE

Masking description

Open-label; participants and investigators are not masked.

Intervention model description

Biomarker-guided, multi-cohort (umbrella) design. Participants are assigned to one of three cohorts based on tumor antigen expression, then treated in a cohort-specific modified 3+3 dose escalation followed by dose expansion at the recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D).

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 75 Years
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

* Age 18 to 75 years at the time of consent. * Histologically confirmed glioblastoma (WHO grade 4) or diffuse high-grade glioma (WHO grade 3 or 4) that is recurrent or progressive after standard therapy. * Planned clinically indicated tumor resection or stereotactic biopsy (or availability of adequate archived tumor tissue) to support antigen testing and locoregional catheter placement. * Tumor demonstrates expression of at least two of the following antigens above protocol-defined thresholds: IL13Rα2, EGFR (wild-type) and/or EGFRvIII, B7-H3 (CD276). * Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) ≥ 60. * Adequate organ function (hematologic, renal, hepatic) as defined by protocol laboratory criteria. * Ability to undergo brain MRI with contrast (unless contraindicated and alternative imaging is permitted). * Negative pregnancy test for women of childbearing potential; agreement to use effective contraception during study participation and for a protocol-defined period after infusion. * Ability to understand and willingness to sign informed consent.

Exclusion criteria

* Active, uncontrolled infection (including uncontrolled bacterial, viral, or fungal infection). * Known HIV infection with uncontrolled viral load; active hepatitis B or hepatitis C with detectable viral load (unless permitted per protocol). * Clinically significant autoimmune disease requiring systemic immunosuppression within the past 6 months. * Requirement for high-dose systemic corticosteroids (e.g., \>4 mg/day dexamethasone equivalent) within 7 days prior to lymphodepletion/infusion (physiologic replacement permitted). * Prior gene-modified cellular therapy (e.g., prior CAR-T/CAR-NK) within 6 months, or prior therapy targeting IL13Rα2, EGFR/EGFRvIII, or B7-H3 where residual engineered cells could confound safety assessments. * Diffuse leptomeningeal disease as the only site of disease, or anatomy that precludes safe catheter placement (unless specifically allowed by protocol). * Uncontrolled seizures despite optimal medical therapy. * Clinically significant cardiovascular disease (e.g., recent myocardial infarction, uncontrolled arrhythmia) that would increase risk with lymphodepletion or infusion procedures. * Pregnant or breastfeeding. * Any condition that, in the investigator's judgment, would make the participant unsuitable for the study or could interfere with protocol adherence.

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Incidence of dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs)28 DaysIncidence of dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) after CAR-NK infusion (CTCAE v5.0; CRS and ICANS grading).
Maximum tolerated dose (MTD)12 months

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Objective response rate (ORR)12 monthsObjective response rate (ORR) by RANO criteria (CR+PR).
Disease control rate (DCR)6 months
Progression-free survival (PFS)24 months
Overall survival (OS)24 month

Countries

China

Contacts

CONTACTSeni S Lu, Phd
Seni-Lu@beijing-biotech.com+86 13076790030

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Mar 19, 2026