MAGNETO
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Multi-modular Chimeric Antigen Receptor targeting GD2 in Neuroblastoma
IRAS ID
1007331
Contact name
Karin Straathof
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University College London
Eudract number
2023-000023-36
Research summary
Neuroblastoma is the commonest solid cancer of childhood after brain tumours. Half of patients have an aggressive type of neuroblastoma referred to as high-risk neuroblastoma. Despite combination treatment with chemotherapy, surgery, radiotherapy and antibody therapy, in over half of these patients the cancer does not respond or grows back.
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells are immune cells genetically engineered so they can recognize and kill tumour cells. In leukaemia, CAR T cells have resulted in sustained complete remissions and encouraging results in non-blood cancers are emerging.
The MAGNETO study builds on our early experience with CAR T cells for patients with neuroblastoma and here a new design of CAR T cells equipped to stay around and be effective for longer (called RQR8/huK828Z/CST CAR T cells) will be tested in neuroblastoma patients.
We will collect T cells from the patient’s blood to make the CAR T cells in a specialized laboratory. We will put new genes into the T cells so they can recognise neuroblastoma and kill tumour cells even if the tumours is trying to hide from immune attack and to help them stay around in the body to stop the tumour from regrowing. We want to know whether these CAR T cells are safe and what is the best dose to use.
A week before the CAR T cells, patients will be admitted at the Great Ormond Street Hospital to receive a short course of chemotherapy drugs which prepare the body to receive the CAR T cells. The CAR T cells are then given via a drip over a maximum of 30 minutes. Patients will be closely monitored and stay in the hospital for at least 2 weeks after the cells are given.
Following discharge, patients will be required to regularly come to the clinic for check-ups: approximately 7 visits in the 1st year. During screening, treatment and follow up visits, patients will have physical examination, collection of blood and urine samples and imaging tests (MRI and 123I-MIBG scans).REC name
London - West London & GTAC Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/LO/0450
Date of REC Opinion
5 Sep 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion