The goal of this clinical trial is to test a combined therapy approach (allogeneic cytomegalovirus \[CMV\]-specific T cells and pembrolizumab) in patients with brain cancer. The type of brain cancer being studied is glioblastoma multiforme/astrocytoma grade 4. The purpose of part 1 of this study is to determine the maximum-tolerated dose and/or recommended dose(s) for future exploration of allogeneic CMV-specific T cells as monotherapy or in combination with pembrolizumab in patients with recurrent GBM/astrocytoma grade 4. Part 2 of the study aims to investigate the anti-tumour activity of allogeneic CMV-specific T cells as monotherapy or in combination with pembrolizumab, assessed by magnetic resonance imaging and survival, in patients with recurrent or newly diagnosed GBM/grade 4 astrocytoma.
This is a multi-centre, non-randomised, open-label, dose escalation and expansion trial of allogeneic cytomegalovirus (CMV)-specific T cells as monotherapy and in combination with pembrolizumab in participants with recurrent and newly diagnosed glioblastoma multiforme (GBM)/astrocytoma grade 4. The trial will be conducted in two parts. Part 1 is a single-arm, sequential 3+3 dose-escalation of allogeneic CMV-specific T cells as a monotherapy and in combination with a fixed dose of pembrolizumab to determine the recommended dose(s) for future exploration. Up to 18 participants will be recruited for part 1. Part 2 will involve two arms and will examine the clinical impact of the CMV-specific T cells as monotherapy and in combination with pembrolizumab. Forty participants will be recruited for part 2 - 20 with newly diagnosed GBM/astrocytoma grade 4 and 20 with recurrent GBM/astrocytoma grade 4. Part 2 will only be initiated if the data and safety monitoring board (DSMB) determines that the proposed dose level(s) for future exploration are safe and well tolerated. Additional groups may be explored depending on emergent safety, pharmacodynamics and/or clinical efficacy data. Following screening and enrolment, each participant will receive four weekly infusions (Q1W) of allogeneic CMV-specific T cells, followed by up to 18 infusions of pembrolizumab. Pembrolizumab infusions will commence seven days (±3 days) after the final T-cell infusion, and be administered every 6 weeks (Q6W). The total duration of participation for each participant is approximately 26 months. Efficacy of the combination therapy will be evaluated according to the modified Response Assessment in Neuro-Oncology (RANO) and immunotherapy (i)RANO criteria, through radiographic imaging. For group A and group B the appropriate measures for progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), disease control rate and duration of response will be assessed.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
58
Allogeneic cytomegalovirus (CMV)-specific T cells generated from the blood of healthy CMV-seropositive donors
A humanised immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4) monoclonal antibody (mAb) specific for the programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) receptor
Newro Foundation
Bowen Hills, Queensland, Australia
Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital
Herston, Queensland, Australia
Princess Alexandra Hospital
Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
Austin Hospital
Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
Incidence of dose-limiting toxicities
Part 1 - Primary Endpoint 1
Time frame: Within 49 days of receiving the first dose of study drug
Incidence of adverse events and clinically significant changes in laboratory parameters, vital signs, and electrocardiograms (ECGs)
Part 1 - Primary Endpoint 2
Time frame: Within 49 days of the first dose of study drug
Percentage of participants with confirmed complete response (CR) or partial response (PR)
Part 2 - Primary Endpoint 1
Time frame: Within 25 months of the first dose of study drug
Percentage of participants with confirmed complete response (CR), partial response (PR), or stable disease (SD)
Part 2 - Primary Endpoint 2
Time frame: Within 25 months of the first dose of study drug
Duration of response
Part 2 - Primary Endpoint 3
Time frame: Within 25 months of the first dose of study drug
Overall survival (percentage of participants alive)
Part 2 - Primary Endpoint 4
Time frame: 6 months
Progression-free survival (percentage of participants with no evidence of further disease progression)
Part 2 - Primary Endpoint 5
Time frame: 6 months
Overall survival (percentage of participants alive)
Part 1 - Secondary Endpoint 1
Time frame: 6 months
Progression-free survival (percentage of participants with no evidence of further disease progression)
Part 1 - Secondary Endpoint 2
Time frame: 6 months
Incidence of adverse events and clinically significant changes in laboratory parameters, vital signs, and ECGs
Part 2 - Secondary Endpoint 1
Time frame: Within 25 months of the first dose of study drug
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.