GLIMPS

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  Glioma targeting IL13RA2/IL-15 multi-modular CAR T cell paediatric study

• IRAS ID

  1008429

• Contact name

  Karin Straathof

• Contact email

  k.straathof@ucl.ac.uk

• Sponsor organisation

  University College London

• ISRCTN Number

  ISRCTN15356845

• Research summary

  Of childhood brain tumours, about 10% are high-grade gliomas. Paediatric high-grade gliomas (pHGG) account for 40% of deaths due to brain tumours in children. Treatment is limited with surgery only possible if tumour is not in delicate parts of the brain. Radiotherapy can stop tumour growth but tumour will inevitably grow again.
  Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells are blood cells genetically engineered to recognize and kill tumour cells. Sustained complete remissions have been achieved in leukaemia and encouraging results in non-blood cancers are emerging. Early clinical data suggests CAR T therapy can be effective in glioma. We have developed CAR T cells that recognize IL13RA2 (Interleukin13 receptor subunit alpha2) present on glioma cells. The CAR T cells have been engineered to secrete interleukin15 to help the CAR T cells persist in the body. The study aims to test whether giving the CAR T cells to pHGG patients is safe, what is the best dose and the optimal way to give the cells.
  T cells are collected from participant’s blood to make the CAR T cells. New genes are put into the T cells so they recognise and kill the glioma cells and to help the CAR T cells persist in the body to stop tumour regrowth.
  To allow careful monitoring, participants have an Ommaya Reservoir placed under the skin of the scalp so the pressure in the brain can be measured. They are given 2 chemotherapy drugs to help the CAR T cells persist in the body. The CAR T cells are given into the vein. Participants are closely monitored in hospital for at least 2 weeks. MRI scans are used to look at the effect on the tumour. If the tumour is still present 1 month after the CAR T cells and the cells did not cause severe side effects, a 2nd CAR T cell dose may be given via the Ommaya reservoir into the fluid around the brain. If the CAR T cells are safe to use in pHGG and signs of activity against tumour are seen, this will inform further development of CAR T cells for pHGG and brain tumours.

• REC name

  London - West London & GTAC Research Ethics Committee

• REC reference

  24/LO/0303

• Date of REC Opinion

  9 Jul 2024

• REC opinion

  Further Information Favourable Opinion