Autologous HER2-specific CAR T cells after lymphodepletion for advanced sarcoma: a phase 1 trial
This study identifies a specific protein called HER2 as a target for future therapies for sarcoma. The study, “Autologous HER2-specific CAR T cells after lymphodepletion for advanced sarcoma: a phase 1 trial,” is a prospective, interventional phase 1 study for patients with advanced sarcoma. Each patient had a type of white blood cell called a T cell removed from their bodies. The T cells were then modified to be able to attach to HER2, becoming HER2 CAR T cells and were then infused back into the patients. This study had two objectives.The primary outcome was to assess the safety of one dose of HER2 CAR T cells. The secondary outcome was to determine if this process provoked any antitumor response. Thirteen patients were treated. HER2 CAR T cells expanded after 19 of 21 infusions. Most patients had some adverse effects with severity depending on the dosage. Antitumor activity was observed with clinical benefit in 50% of patients treated.