Dual-Target CAR-NK Cells for Biomarker-Selected Advanced Colorectal Cancer

Official title

A Phase 1/2, Biomarker-Assigned, Open-Label Dose Escalation and Expansion Study of Allogeneic Dual-Target CAR-NK Cells Targeting CEA (CEACAM5) and/or GUCY2C (GCC) With an Exploratory HER2/ERBB2-Positive Cohort in Subjects With Advanced or Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

Overview

This Phase 1/2 study evaluates the safety, tolerability, and preliminary anti-tumor activity of an allogeneic dual-target chimeric antigen receptor natural killer (CAR-NK) cell product in adults with advanced or metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC). Participants are assigned to one of three dual-target arms based on tumor antigen co-expression: (1) CEA+GUCY2C, (2) CEA+HER2, or (3) GUCY2C+HER2. Following dose escalation, the most suitable target pair (based on safety, feasibility, and early efficacy/biomarker signals) will be selected for dose expansion.

Detailed description

Colorectal cancer remains a major cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality. CAR-NK therapy is being explored as a potentially safer, 'off-the-shelf' adoptive cell therapy platform with lower risk of graft-versus-host disease and typically less severe cytokine release than CAR-T in early experiences.

Target selection for solid tumors is limited by tumor heterogeneity and on-target/off-tumor expression. To reduce antigen escape and increase tumor selectivity, this study tests dual-target recognition against CRC-associated antigens: CEA (CEACAM5) and GUCY2C (GCC), with a HER2/ERBB2-positive subset as an exploratory population. GUCY2C is frequently retained in primary and metastatic CRC and is a well-established CRC target antigen. HER2 amplification/overexpression occurs in a minority of metastatic CRC and can be identified by validated IHC/ISH or genomic assays. Biomarker assessment and target-pair selection: Tumor tissue (archival or fresh) is tested by central laboratory immunohistochemistry (IHC) for CEA and GUCY2C, and by HER2 testing per colorectal cancer criteria (IHC with reflex amplification testing as needed). Participants must meet co-expression thresholds for one antigen pair and are assigned accordingly. After Part A (dose escalation), a prespecified selection algorithm will nominate the target pair for expansion using a composite score including DLT rate, feasibility/manufacturing success, ORR/DCR signals, CAR-NK persistence, and evidence of target engagement. Treatment plan: Participants receive lymphodepleting chemotherapy followed by infusion of the assigned dual-target CAR-NK cells. A second infusion in the same cycle may be permitted in selected dose levels if safety criteria are met. Hospitalization/close monitoring is required during the early post-infusion period.

Interventions

• Biological EB-DUO-CAR-NK-CEA/GCC (IV)
  Allogeneic dual-target CAR-NK cells manufactured from cord blood-derived NK cells, genetically engineered to express a tandem (dual-binding) CAR, an IL-15 support element (e.g., membrane-bound IL-15 or IL-15/IL-15R fusion), and an inducible suicide switch

Primary outcome measures

• Incidence of dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) graded by CTCAE v5.0. [Time frame: 28 Days]
• Maximum tolerated dose (MTD) [Time frame: 28 Days]
• Objective response rate (ORR) by RECIST v1.1 in the expansion cohort. [Time frame: 12 weeks]

Secondary outcome measures (3)

• Incidence and severity of adverse events (AEs) [Time frame: 24 months]
• Disease control rate (DCR) [Time frame: 24 months]
• Progression-free survival (PFS) [Time frame: 24 months]

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion criteria

• Histologically confirmed colorectal adenocarcinoma that is unresectable or metastatic and has progressed after, is intolerant to, or is ineligible for standard therapies.
• Measurable disease per RECIST v1.1 (unless in minimal residual disease (MRD) or post-resection cohorts if a future amendment is planned).
• Tumor antigen co-expression meeting central lab thresholds for one of the following pairs: CEA+GUCY2C, CEA+HER2, or GUCY2C+HER2.
• ECOG performance status 0-1.
• Adequate organ function (hematologic, renal, hepatic, and cardiac) as defined in protocol.
• Recovered to Grade <=1 from prior therapy-related toxicities (except stable Grade 2 neuropathy or alopecia).
• Life expectancy >= 12 weeks.
• Willingness to use effective contraception during study and for a protocol-defined period after cell infusion.

Exclusion criteria

• Active, uncontrolled infection (including uncontrolled HBV/HCV) or known uncontrolled HIV infection.
• Active CNS metastases that are symptomatic or require escalating steroids. (Stable treated CNS disease may be allowed per protocol.)
• Prior gene-modified cellular therapy (CAR-T/CAR-NK/TCR-T) within 6 months, or any prior therapy that in the investigator's judgment increases risk of severe toxicity.
• Clinically significant autoimmune disease requiring systemic immunosuppression within the past 6 months.
• Concurrent anti-cancer therapy (other than protocol-permitted bridging) during the DLT window.
• Pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Significant cardiovascular disease (e.g., recent MI, uncontrolled arrhythmia), uncontrolled pulmonary disease, or other severe comorbidity that would increase risk.
• Known hypersensitivity to study chemotherapy components (fludarabine/cyclophosphamide) or required supportive medications.
• Any condition that, in the investigator's opinion, would interfere with study participation, safety monitoring, or interpretation of results.

Criteria are shown verbatim from the registry (in English). Final eligibility is always assessed by the study center.

Healthy volunteers: No

Study design

Allocation

Non-randomized

Model

Single group

Masking

Open label

Primary purpose

Treatment

Study locations

China · 1 center

• Peking University Shenzhen Hospital — Shenzhen

Identifiers

NCT: NCT07462650 · EB-CARNK-CRC-101

Primary sources (government registries)

• ClinicalTrials.gov (US NIH)

View this study on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗