Dr. Premal Lulla, MD

CAR-T Cell Therapy

for Lymphoma

This study involves patients with diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL), natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (NKTL), or classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) (referred to collectively as lymphoma) whose disease has returned or not responded to treatment. Previous research combined antibodies and T cells to treat cancer. Antibodies bind to foreign substances, and T cells are infection-fighting white blood cells that can kill tumor cells. Both approaches have shown promise but have not been sufficient to cure most patients. In prior studies, an antibody targeting CD30, a protein found on some T cells and cancer cells, was joined to T cells through gene transfer to create CD30.CAR T cells. Another study showed encouraging responses using CD30.CAR T cells made from a patient's own blood and returned to the same patient (autologous cells). In an ongoing study, patients have been treated with CD30.CAR T cells derived from healthy donors (allogeneic cells), allowing use of banked cells without individualized manufacturing. This approach has shown promising clinical activity with no safety concerns to date. In this study, investigators are evaluating CD30.CAR-EBVST cells modified with an additional molecule called C7R, which has been shown in laboratory studies to enhance anti-cancer effects. The study aims to assess the safety and effectiveness of these allogeneic, banked C7R-modified CD30.CAR-EBVST cells and determine whether they may help treat lymphoma. As an added safety measure, the modified T cells include a marker called iC9. If significant side effects occur, patients may receive rimiducid, which can eliminate the infused T cells. Rimiducid is not yet FDA approved but has been tested in patients without significant side effects.