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Recruiting Phase 1 NCT06096038

NCT06096038 Autologous CAR-T Cells Targeting CSPG4 in Relapsed/Refractory HNSCC

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Clinical Trial Summary
NCT ID NCT06096038
Status Recruiting
Phase Phase 1
Sponsor UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center
Condition Head and Neck Cancer
Study Type INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment 33 participants
Start Date 2024-04-05
Primary Completion 2026-09-01

Eligibility & Interventions

Sex All sexes
Min Age 18 Years
Max Age N/A
Study Type INTERVENTIONAL
Interventions
CyclophosphamideFludarabineCell Therapy

Eligibility Fast-Check

Enter your details for a quick preliminary check. This does not replace medical advice.

What to Expect as a Participant

You will actively receive the study intervention — which may be a drug, biologic, device, or procedure.

Phase 1 is the earliest stage of human testing — safety and dosage are the primary focus. Visits are frequent and medical supervision is intensive. You will be among the first people to receive this treatment.

This trial targets 33 participants in total. It began in 2024-04-05 with a primary completion date of 2026-09-01.

⚠ This information is for research awareness only. Always consult your physician before joining any clinical trial. Participation is voluntary and you may withdraw at any time.

Brief Summary

The purpose of this study is to test the safety and tolerability of using a new treatment called autologous T lymphocyte chimeric antigen receptor cells against the CSPG4 antigen (iC9.CAR-CSPG4 T cells) in patients with head and neck cancer that came back after receiving standard therapy for this cancer. The iC9.CAR-CSPG4 treatment is experimental and has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. How many (dose) of the iC9.CAR. CSPG4 T cells are safe to use in patients without causing too many side effects, and what is the maximum dose that could be tolerated will be investigated. The information collected from the study would help cancer patients in the future. There are two parts to this study. In part 1, blood will be collected to prepare the iC9.CAR-CSPG4 T cells. Disease fighting T cells will be isolated and modified to prepare the iC9.CAR-CSPG4 T cells. In part 2, the iC9.CAR-CSPG4 T cells are given by infusion after completion of lymphodepletion chemotherapy. The data from the dose escalation will be used to determine a recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D), which will be decided based on the maximum tolerated dose (MTD). Additionally, recommended phase 2 dose will be tested. Eligible subjects will receive lymphodepletion chemotherapy standard followed by infusion of iC9-CAR.CSPG4 T cells. After treatment completion or discontinuation, subjects will be followed since involving gene transfer experiments.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria: Unless otherwise noted, subjects must meet all of the following criteria to participate in all phases of the study: 1. Written informed consent and HIPAA authorization for release of personal health information explained to, understood by and signed by the subject; subject given a copy of the informed consent form. 2. Age ≥ 18 years at the time of consent. 3. Karnofsky score of \> 60% 4. Histologically or cytologically confirmed stage recurrent/metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck as defined by American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC). This includes squamous cancer of: oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx and larynx. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Subject with a history or current severe progressive heart disease (congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, uncontrolled arterial hypertension, uncontrolled arrhythmia, or myocardial infarction in the past 6 months. 2. Subject with a history of stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) within 12 months before procurement. 3. Subject with a history of severe immediate hypersensitivity reaction to cyclophosphamide or fludarabine.

Contact & Investigator

Central Contact

Catherine Cheng

✉ UNCImmunotherapy@med.unc.edu

📞 +1 919-445-4208

Principal Investigator

Jared Weiss, MD

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can join the NCT06096038 clinical trial?

This trial is open to participants of all sexes, aged 18 Years or older, studying Head and Neck Cancer. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria are listed in the Eligibility Criteria section. Always confirm your eligibility with the research team before applying.

What phase is the NCT06096038 trial and what does that mean for participants?

Phase 1 trials are the first stage of human testing. The primary goal is to assess safety and determine appropriate dosage levels. Participants are closely monitored. These trials typically involve a small number of volunteers.

Is NCT06096038 currently recruiting?

Yes, NCT06096038 is actively recruiting participants. Contact the research team at UNCImmunotherapy@med.unc.edu for enrollment information.

Where is the NCT06096038 trial being conducted?

This trial is being conducted at Chapel Hill, United States.

Who is sponsoring the NCT06096038 clinical trial?

NCT06096038 is sponsored by UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center. The principal investigator is Jared Weiss, MD at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center. The trial plans to enroll 33 participants.

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ClinicalMetric — Independent clinical trial intelligence platform. Not affiliated with NIH, ClinicalTrials.gov, the U.S. FDA, or any pharmaceutical company, hospital, or clinical research organization. Trial data is sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Do not make any treatment, enrollment, or health decisions based solely on information found here — always consult a qualified healthcare professional. Full Disclaimer  ·  Last Reviewed: July 2026  ·  Data Methodology