Recruiting

Testing immune cells for advanced solid tumors

Plain-English translation of NCT04981119 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated June 2026 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

What is this trial?

Researchers are studying a new approach called CAR T-cell therapy to treat advanced solid cancers like lung, pancreatic, colorectal, and ovarian cancer. The study first checks whether your cancer cells have a specific genetic change called HLA loss of heterozygosity (LOH). If you do, researchers will collect your white blood cells through a simple blood procedure and store them, so they may be used to create a personalized treatment for you in the future if your cancer returns.

Cancer cells can hide from the immune system by losing certain proteins that normally identify them as abnormal. This study aims to identify which patients have this specific hiding mechanism and prepare their immune cells now, so a customized treatment can be made quickly if needed later during their cancer care.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you have been diagnosed with a solid tumor (such as colorectal, lung, pancreatic, ovarian, or mesothelioma cancer) that is advanced, cannot be surgically removed, or is likely to return within two years
you have a specific genetic marker called HLA-A*02 heterozygous confirmed by blood testing
your tumor tissue shows the specific genetic change (LOH) when tested
you are in good enough health to participate, as confirmed by your doctor
you have not had a stem cell or organ transplant

You likely don't qualify if…

you have had another cancer in the past 5 years (except non-melanoma skin cancer or certain low-grade cancers)
you received chemotherapy, radiation, or other cancer treatments in the 2 weeks before planned blood collection
you have an active infection that requires treatment
you have active cancer spread to your brain that has not been treated
you have had a previous stem cell transplant or solid organ transplant

What participation looks like

The study has two main parts. First, you will have blood tests to check your HLA type and your tumor tissue will be tested for the specific genetic change. If eligible, you will undergo apheresis—a simple outpatient procedure where blood is drawn, white blood cells are separated out and collected, and the remaining blood is returned to you. Your collected cells will be stored for up to 2 years while researchers monitor your health, and may be used to create a personalized treatment if your cancer returns.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 4, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(16 sites)

United States

Banner Health, Gilbert, Arizona

Mayo Clinic Hospital, Phoenix, Arizona

City of Hope, Duarte, California

University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California

Stanford University, Palo Alto, California