Using Gene Modified Neuroblastoma Cells for the Treatment of Relapsed/Refractory Neuroblastoma
- Conditions
- Neuroblastoma
- Interventions
- Procedure: Skin BiopsyGenetic: Gene Modified Neuroblastoma Cells
- Registration Number
- NCT00062855
- Lead Sponsor
- Baylor College of Medicine
- Brief Summary
This research study is designed to determine the safety and dosage of special cells that may make a patients own immune system fight the cancer. To do this we will put two special genes into cancer cells taken from the patients body. The genes we put in make the cancer cells produce lymphotactin, a natural substance that attracts immune system cells to the cancer, and IL-2 a natural substance that may help the immune system kill cancer cells. Some of these cells will then be put back in the patient's body. Studies of cancers in animals and in cancer cells that are grown in laboratories suggest that substances like lymphotactin and IL-2 help the body kill cancer cells. A treatment similar to this has been used in ten children previously and similar treatments are being used in adults with other cancers.
The purpose of this study is to learn the side effects and safe 'dosage' of these special cells.
- Detailed Description
Neuroblastoma cells taken from the patient will be separated in the laboratory and two specially produced human viruses (adenovirus) that carry the lymphotactin and the IL-2 gene were put into the cells. These lymphotactin and IL-2 genes are meant to help the immune system fight the cancer.
The modified cancer cells will be injected under the patient's skin. There will be four shots. The second and subsequent shots will have ten times as many cells producing lymphotactin as the first. We do not know the best amount of special cells to use, so different patients will get different numbers of cells.
Before the second shot, and then again about 2 weeks later, we will remove some of the modified cells from the patient's body and study them. We will do this by removing a section of skin (referred to as a skin biopsy) at the place where the cells were injected. This test will help us to see whether or not the modified cells are killing cancer cells.
To study how the immunity is working in the patient's system, we will take blood samples prior to each injection, two to four days after each injection, and may repeat this 5-7 days after each injection if your doctor thinks that is necessary.
After patients have received the first set of 4 injections a complete evaluation is performed to see how this research treatment is working. If these evaluations look okay and if more injections are available, patients will have the option to receive a second set of 4 injections. If patients receive the second set of 4 injections, they will again have blood samples taken after each injection.
After injections stop, all patients will have blood samples collected once a month for a year, and then once a year for fifteen years.
To see if this research treatment is working, we will do CAT scans, MRIs, or bone scans (these are different types of x-rays). We will also take a bone marrow biopsy (bone marrow will be removed by use of a needle so that it can be looked at under the microscope). These tests will be done prior to treatment and again eight weeks later. In addition, if patients receive the second set of four injections, these tests will be repeated at six months.
Recruitment & Eligibility
- Status
- COMPLETED
- Sex
- All
- Target Recruitment
- 9
Not provided
Not provided
Study & Design
- Study Type
- INTERVENTIONAL
- Study Design
- SINGLE_GROUP
- Arm && Interventions
Group Intervention Description Gene Modified Neuroblastoma Cells Skin Biopsy Gene modified neuroblastoma cells given as 4 subcutaneous injections over 5 weeks Gene Modified Neuroblastoma Cells Gene Modified Neuroblastoma Cells Gene modified neuroblastoma cells given as 4 subcutaneous injections over 5 weeks
- Primary Outcome Measures
Name Time Method To determine the safety of up to four subcutaneous (SC) injections of autologous neuroblastoma cells which have been genetically modified by adenoviral vectors to secrete lymphotactin (Lptn) and Interleukin-2 (IL-2). 2 months To determine the safety of up to eight (total) of these injections in patients who have received the first four injections without unacceptable toxicity and have evidence of stable disease or better after receiving these injections. 6 months
- Secondary Outcome Measures
Name Time Method To determine whether MHC restricted or unrestricted antitumor immune responses are induced by SC injection of modified autologous neuroblasts and the cell doses required to produce these effects. 3 weeks To obtain preliminary data on the antitumor effects of this treatment regimen 8 weeks
Trial Locations
- Locations (1)
Texas Children's Hospital
🇺🇸Houston, Texas, United States