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Active, not recruitingNCT03272334Breast-47Updated Feb 27, 2026Results posted

Her2-BATS and Pembrolizumab in Metastatic Breast Cancer

A Phase 1/2 interventional study of HER2 BATs with Pembrolizumab in Metastatic Breast Cancer, sponsored by University of Virginia. Active, not recruiting at 1 site in United States. Open to female participants aged 18 Years and older. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-02-27.

Sponsored by University of Virginia · Phase 1/2, Interventional, and Treatment

Phase
Phase 1/2
Study type
Interventional
Enrollment
22
Allocation
Non-randomized
Ages
18 Years and older
Sex
Female
01

Study summary

This proposal uses HER2Bi armed activated T-cells (HER2 BATs) to target breast cancer in combination with pembrolizumab (PBZ) in women with metastatic breast cancer (MBC). Phase I will determine a safe dose of the combination of PBZ and HER2 BATs in 3 to 18 patients. In the phase II portion, an additional 12 patients will be treated at the selected dose to further evaluate the safety and preliminary efficacy.

Study treatment includes a combination of 8 infusions of BATs using a previously established schedule and one to three infusions of PBZ (200 mg per dose). PBZ will be added to 8 infusions of BATs in 3 schedules: #1) after the 8th BATs infusion; #2) after the 4th and 8th BATs infusions; and then, #3) before the 1st and after the 4th and 8th BATs infusions.

Read the detailed description

Once subjects are determined eligible, white blood cells (lymphocytes) are collected via leukapheresis procedure. Depending on arm/schedule, about 4-5 weeks later, study treatment will begin. For HER2 BATs, the white blood cells, specifically T cells, are then mixed with two proteins - OKT3 and IL-2 -- which activates the cells to multiply. After approximately 14 days in culture, the activated T cells are coated with OKT3 and trastuzumab/Herceptin (HER2Bi), and washed to remove excess Herceptin in order to produce bispecific antibody armed T cells (BATs). Cells are then frozen and stored until scheduled to be infused.

Follow-up appointment schedule will include clinic visits 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months after the last dose of Pembrolizumab.

02

Conditions studied

  • Metastatic Breast Cancer

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Keywords

  • Metastatic Breast Cancer
  • Adoptive Cell Therapy
  • Armed Activated T-cells
  • Bispecific Antibodies
  • Immunotherapy
03

Who can participate

Ages eligible
18 Years and older
Sexes eligible
Female
Accepts healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

  1. Histologically confirmed breast cancer (infiltrating ductal or lobular breast carcinoma) with evidence of measurable metastatic disease. Metastatic disease must be biopsy proven.

    a. Since histologic type, lymphatic permeation, blood vessel invasion, and degree of anaplasia may be prognostic variables, appropriate slides of the primary lesion will be requested for future review. HER2, estrogen, and progesterone receptor positivity will be recorded.

  2. Measurable lesion. Patients are required to have at least one measurable non-bone lesion ≥10 mm that has not been irradiated.

    a. Measurable metastatic disease documented by radiograph, CT scan, PET/CT, MRI, or physical exam is required. Each subject will be required to have at least one measurable lesion that has not been irradiated with a minimum size in at least one diameter of ≥ 10 mm for liver lesions, lung, skin, and ≥ 15 mm lymph node metastases. Biopsy of recurrent site(s) is not required.

  3. Patients must have HER2 status determined by FISH or IHC. HER2 status of positive or negative are both eligible for the study.

    In order to be eligible for participation in this trial, the patient must also:

  4. Be female ≥ 18 years of age
  5. Be willing and able to provide written informed consent for the trial.
  6. Have a performance status (PS) ECOG 0-1
  7. Have a life expectancy ≥ 3 months
  8. Be eligible for apheresis, as determined by the Stem Cell Transplant team
  9. Demonstrate adequate organ function as defined below, all screening labs should be performed within 10 days prior to apheresis.

    Absolute lymphocyte count ≥ 500/mm3 Absolute neutrophil count (ANC) ≥1,500 /mcL Platelets ≥ 100,000 / mcL Hemoglobin ≥ 9 g/dL (or ≥5.6 mmol/L without transfusion or EPO dependency (within 7 days of assessment) BUN ≤ 1.5 X upper limit of normal (ULN) Serum creatinine OR ≤1.5 X upper limit of normal (ULN) OR Measured or calculated creatinine clearance (GFR can also be used in place of creatinine or CrCl) ≥60 mL/min for subject with creatinine levels > 1.5 X institutional ULN Serum total bilirubin ≤ 1.5 X ULN OR AST (SGOT) and ALT (SGPT) ≤ 2.5 X ULN OR ≤ 5 X ULN for subjects with liver metastases Albumin >2.5 mg/dL International Normalized Ratio (INR) or Prothrombin Time (PT) ≤1.5 X ULN unless subject is receiving anticoagulant therapy Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT) as long as PT or PTT is within therapeutic range of intended use of anticoagulants

  10. Female patients of childbearing potential should have a negative urine or serum pregnancy test at screening. If the urine test is positive or cannot be confirmed as negative, a serum pregnancy test will be required.
  11. Female patients of childbearing potential must be willing to use an adequate method of contraception as outlined in Section 4.5.2, for the course of the study through 120 days after the last dose of study medication.
  12. Patients must have had two or more lines of prior therapy (chemo or hormonal) in the metastatic setting

Exclusion criteria

Exclusion Criteria:

The patient must be excluded from participating in the trial if the subject:

  1. Has a diagnosis of immunodeficiency or is receiving systemic steroid therapy or any other form of immunosuppressive therapy within 7 days prior to leukapheresis.
  2. Has a known history of active TB (Bacillus Tuberculosis)
  3. Hypersensitivity to PBZ or any of its excipients.
  4. Lack of recovery (i.e., ≤ Grade 1 or baseline prior to last line of cancer therapy) from non-laboratory adverse events except ≤ Grade 2 neuropathy
  5. Has history of another malignancy within the past 5 years. Exceptions include basal cell carcinoma of the skin or squamous cell carcinoma of the skin that has undergone potentially curative therapy or in situ cervical cancer.
  6. Has known active central nervous system (CNS) metastases and/or carcinomatous meningitis. Subjects with previously treated brain metastases may participate provided they are stable (without evidence of progression by imaging for at least four weeks prior to the first dose of trial treatment and any neurologic symptoms have returned to baseline), have no evidence of new or enlarging brain metastases, and are not using steroids for at least 7 days prior to leukapheresis. This exception does not include carcinomatous meningitis which is excluded regardless of clinical stability.
  7. Has active autoimmune disease that has required systemic treatment in the past 2 years (i.e. with use of disease modifying agents, corticosteroids or immunosuppressive drugs). Replacement therapy (e.g., thyroxine, insulin, or physiologic corticosteroid replacement therapy for adrenal or pituitary insufficiency, etc.) is not considered a form of systemic treatment.
  8. Has known history of, or any evidence of active, non-infectious pneumonitis.
  9. Has an active infection requiring systemic therapy.
  10. Has a history or current evidence of any condition, therapy, or laboratory abnormality that might confound the results of the trial, interfere with the subject's participation for the full duration of the trial, or is not in the best interest of the subject to participate, in the opinion of the treating investigator.
  11. Is pregnant or breastfeeding, or expecting to conceive children within the projected duration of the trial, starting with the pre-screening or screening visit through 120 days after the last dose of trial treatment.
  12. Has received prior therapy with an anti-PD-1, anti-PD-L1, or anti-PD-L2 agent.
  13. Has Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) (HIV 1/2 antibodies) or known history of Hepatitis B (e.g., HBsAg reactive) or Hepatitis C antibody is detected. Note: Patients may be eligible if HCV antibody is detected as long as HCV viral load is undetectable following an FDA approved treatment regimen
  14. Has received a live vaccine within 30 days of apheresis. Note: Seasonal influenza vaccines for injection are generally inactivated flu vaccines and are allowed; however intranasal influenza vaccines (e.g., Flu-Mist®) are live attenuated vaccines, and are not allowed.
  15. Has a history of significant cardiac disease, including:

    • History of a recent myocardial infarction (within one year), a past myocardial infarction (more than one year ago) along with current coronary symptoms requiring medications and/or evidence of depressed left ventricular function (LVEF \< 45% by MUGA or ECHO).
    • Current history of angina/coronary symptoms requiring medications and/or evidence of depressed left ventricular function (LVEF \< 45% by MUGA or ECHO)
    • Clinical evidence of congestive heart failure requiring medical management (irrespective of ECHO results).
  16. Pt may be excluded if, in the opinion of the PI and investigator team, the pt is not capable of being compliant.
04

Study design

Phase
Phase 1 / Phase 2
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Non-randomized
Intervention model
Sequential assignment
Masking
None (open label)
Enrollment
22 participants (actual)

Study arms

  • Experimental
    Schedule #1

    At approximately 4 weeks following leukapheresis, 8 infusions of HER2 BATs are given twice weekly in weeks #1, #2, #5, and #6 plus 1 infusion of Pembrolizumab in week #7. No interventions within weeks #3 and 4.

    Drug: HER2 BATs with Pembrolizumab

  • Experimental
    Schedule #2

    At approximately 4 weeks following leukapheresis, 8 infusions of HER2 BATs are given twice weekly in weeks #1, #2, #5, and #6 plus 2 infusions of Pembrolizumab; the first given within weeks #3 - 4 and the second in week #7.

    Drug: HER2 BATs with Pembrolizumab

  • Experimental
    Schedule #3

    At approximately 4 weeks following leukapheresis, 8 infusions of HER2 BATs are given twice weekly in weeks #1, #2, #5, and #6 plus 3 infusions of pembrolizumab; the first given one week prior to first BATs infusion, the second is given within weeks #3 - 4, and the third at week #7.

    Drug: HER2 BATs with Pembrolizumab

Interventions

  • DrugHER2 BATs with Pembrolizumab

    8 infusions of HER2 BATs with 1-3 infusions of Pembrolizumab

05

What researchers measure

Primary outcomes

  1. Dose Limiting Toxicities (Escalation and Expansion Cohorts)

    Maximum tolerated dose will be based on number of dose limiting toxicities in each schedule/arm

    Time frame: From start of study treatment until 3 weeks after last dose of study treatment, assessed over about 10 weeks.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Dose Limiting Toxicities on the Selected Arm in the Expansion Cohort

    Dose Limiting toxicities on the arm selected based on the dose/schedule selection part of the study.

    Time frame: From start of study treatment until 3 weeks after last dose of study treatment, assessed over about 10 weeks.

  2. Objective Response Rate

    The percentage of subjects with a response of complete response (CR) or partial response (PR) per immune related response criteria (irRC)

    Time frame: Imaging will be done prior to study treatment, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months after completion of study treatment (about 8.5 months after starting study treatment). Imaging will then be performed according to standard of care.

  3. Overall Survival

    Time from enrollment until death from any cause

    Time frame: Every 3 months following last study visit until death

  4. Progression-Free Survival

    Time from enrollment to time of first progression after enrollment (days)

    Time frame: Checked from enrollment through first progression, about every 3 months, through death or end of study

  5. Immune Response to Treatment in Blood

    Sequential monitoring of phenotype, IFN-γ EliSpots, anti-breast cancer cytotoxicity of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) directed at breast cancer cell lines, Th1/Th2 serum cytokine patterns, and anti-breast cancer antibodies in the serum during the "vaccinate and consolidate" process

    Time frame: Blood will be collected about 5 weeks before any treatment, just before first HER2 BATs infusion, before HER2 BATs #5, before HER2 BATs #8, and 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months after last Pembrolizumab

  6. Disease Control Rate

    The percentage of subjects who achieve complete response, partial response and stable disease following treatment.

    Time frame: Imaging will be done prior to study treatment, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months after completion of study treatment. Imaging will then be performed according to standard of care.

  7. Duration of Response

    The time from documentation of tumor response to disease progression.

    Time frame: Imaging will be done prior to study treatment, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months after completion of study treatment. Imaging will then be performed according to standard of care.

06

Results

Posted Feb 27, 2026

Participant flow

Participant flow — Overall Study
MilestonePhase 1: Schedule #1Phase 1: Schedule #2Phase 1: Schedule #3Phase 2: Schedule 3
Started3838
Completed3734
Not completed0104
Withdrew: Never started cellular infusions0104

Outcome measures

PrimaryDose Limiting Toxicities (Escalation and Expansion Cohorts)

Maximum tolerated dose will be based on number of dose limiting toxicities in each schedule/arm

Time frame:
From start of study treatment until 3 weeks after last dose of study treatment, assessed over about 10 weeks.
Reported as:
Number · participants
Dose Limiting Toxicities (Escalation and Expansion Cohorts)
participantsPhase 1: Schedule #1Phase 1: Schedule #2Phase 1: Schedule #3Phase 2: Schedule #3
Dose Limiting Toxicities (Escalation and Expansion Cohorts)0100
SecondaryDose Limiting Toxicities on the Selected Arm in the Expansion Cohort

Dose Limiting toxicities on the arm selected based on the dose/schedule selection part of the study.

Time frame:
From start of study treatment until 3 weeks after last dose of study treatment, assessed over about 10 weeks.
Reported as:
Count of participants · Participants
Dose Limiting Toxicities on the Selected Arm in the Expansion Cohort
ParticipantsPhase 1: Schedule #1Phase 1: Schedule #2Phase 1: Schedule #3Phase 2: Schedule #3
Dose Limiting Toxicities on the Selected Arm in the Expansion Cohort0000
SecondaryObjective Response Rate

The percentage of subjects with a response of complete response (CR) or partial response (PR) per immune related response criteria (irRC)

Time frame:
Imaging will be done prior to study treatment, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months after completion of study treatment (about 8.5 months after starting study treatment). Imaging will then be performed according to standard of care.

Results for this outcome have not been posted.

SecondaryOverall Survival

Time from enrollment until death from any cause

Time frame:
Every 3 months following last study visit until death
Reported as:
Mean · days
Overall Survival
daysPhase 1: Schedule #1Phase 1: Schedule #2Phase 1: Schedule #3Phase 2: Schedule #3
Overall Survival687 ± 224677 ± 547547 ± 406405 ± 339
SecondaryProgression-Free Survival

Time from enrollment to time of first progression after enrollment (days)

Time frame:
Checked from enrollment through first progression, about every 3 months, through death or end of study
Reported as:
Mean · days
Progression-Free Survival
daysPhase 1: Schedule #1Phase 1: Schedule #2Phase 1: Schedule #3Phase 2: Schedule 3
Progression-Free Survival146 ± 52.2173 ± 218280 ± 247152 ± 113
SecondaryImmune Response to Treatment in Blood

Sequential monitoring of phenotype, IFN-γ EliSpots, anti-breast cancer cytotoxicity of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) directed at breast cancer cell lines, Th1/Th2 serum cytokine patterns, and anti-breast cancer antibodies in the serum during the "vaccinate and consolidate" process

Time frame:
Blood will be collected about 5 weeks before any treatment, just before first HER2 BATs infusion, before HER2 BATs #5, before HER2 BATs #8, and 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months after last Pembrolizumab

Results for this outcome have not been posted.

SecondaryDisease Control Rate

The percentage of subjects who achieve complete response, partial response and stable disease following treatment.

Time frame:
Imaging will be done prior to study treatment, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months after completion of study treatment. Imaging will then be performed according to standard of care.

Results for this outcome have not been posted.

SecondaryDuration of Response

The time from documentation of tumor response to disease progression.

Time frame:
Imaging will be done prior to study treatment, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months after completion of study treatment. Imaging will then be performed according to standard of care.

Results for this outcome have not been posted.

Adverse events

Collected over From enrollment to 30 days after last treatment, up to 3 years. Non-serious events are listed at a 0% frequency threshold.

Adverse event summary by group
GroupDeathsSeriousOther
Phase 1: Schedule #13/3 (100%)1/3 (33.3%)3/3 (100%)
Phase 2: Schedule #27/7 (100%)1/7 (14.3%)7/7 (100%)
Phase 1: Schedule #33/3 (100%)0/3 (0%)3/3 (100%)
Phase 2: Schedule #34/4 (100%)2/4 (50%)4/4 (100%)
Most frequent serious events
Most frequent serious events
EventPhase 1: Schedule #1Phase 2: Schedule #2Phase 1: Schedule #3Phase 2: Schedule #3
HypotensionVascular disorders1/31/70/31/4
ConfusionNervous system disorders1/30/70/30/4
TachycardiaCardiac disorders1/30/70/31/4
BronchospasmRespiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders0/30/70/31/4
alanine aminotransferase elevationGastrointestinal disorders0/31/70/30/4
HypertensionVascular disorders0/31/70/30/4
Most frequent other events
Showing 10 of 56
Most frequent other events
EventPhase 1: Schedule #1Phase 2: Schedule #2Phase 1: Schedule #3Phase 2: Schedule #3
HypotensionVascular disorders1/37/73/34/4
chillsGeneral disorders1/33/73/34/4
HeadacheNervous system disorders3/35/72/31/4
nauseaGastrointestinal disorders2/33/73/33/4
anemiaBlood and lymphatic system disorders3/32/70/33/4
hypertensionVascular disorders3/37/71/34/4
vomitingGastrointestinal disorders2/32/73/31/4
sinus tachycardiaCardiac disorders2/36/70/32/4
feverGeneral disorders1/35/72/31/4
hypercalcemiaInvestigations0/31/72/32/4

Baseline characteristics

Age, Customized
Age, Customized(years)Phase 1: Schedule #1Phase 1: Schedule #2Phase 1: Schedule #3Phase 2: Schedule #3Total
Median (SD)64.7 ± 13.751.5 ± 16.856.2 ± 10.253.3 ± 11.954.6 ± 13.7
Sex: Female, Male
Sex: Female, Male(Participants)Phase 1: Schedule #1Phase 1: Schedule #2Phase 1: Schedule #3Phase 2: Schedule #3Total
Female383822
Male00000
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)(Participants)Phase 1: Schedule #1Phase 1: Schedule #2Phase 1: Schedule #3Phase 2: Schedule #3Total
Hispanic or Latino01012
Not Hispanic or Latino373720
Unknown or Not Reported00000
Race (NIH/OMB)
Race (NIH/OMB)(Participants)Phase 1: Schedule #1Phase 1: Schedule #2Phase 1: Schedule #3Phase 2: Schedule #3Total
American Indian or Alaska Native00000
Asian00000
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander00000
Black or African American00011
White383721
More than one race00000
Unknown or Not Reported00000
Region of Enrollment
Region of Enrollment(participants)Phase 1: Schedule #1Phase 1: Schedule #2Phase 1: Schedule #3Phase 2: Schedule #3Total
United States383822
ECOG Performance status
ECOG Performance status(units on a scale)Phase 1: Schedule #1Phase 1: Schedule #2Phase 1: Schedule #3Phase 2: Schedule #3Total
Mean1.2 (0 to 2)1.3 (0 to 2)1.2 (0 to 2)1.2 (0 to 2)1.2 (0 to 2)
07

Study locations

1 site
  • Ashley Donihee
    Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, United States
08

References and documents

Publications

  • Lum LG, Thakur A, Al-Kadhimi Z, Colvin GA, Cummings FJ, Legare RD, Dizon DS, Kouttab N, Maizel A, Colaiace W, Liu Q, Rathore R. Targeted T-cell Therapy in Stage IV Breast Cancer: A Phase I Clinical Trial. Clin Cancer Res. 2015 May 15;21(10):2305-14. doi: 10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-14-2280. Epub 2015 Feb 16. PubMed 25688159 ↗
  • Vaishampayan U, Thakur A, Rathore R, Kouttab N, Lum LG. Phase I Study of Anti-CD3 x Anti-Her2 Bispecific Antibody in Metastatic Castrate Resistant Prostate Cancer Patients. Prostate Cancer. 2015;2015:285193. doi: 10.1155/2015/285193. Epub 2015 Feb 23. PubMed 25802762 ↗

Study documents

  • Protocol and statistical analysis plan · Apr 12, 2023
  • Informed consent form · Jan 9, 2024

Documents are hosted by the registry — open the source record to download them.

Individual participant data

Plan to share: No

09

Registry details

Key details

Study ID
NCT03272334
Lead sponsor
University of Virginia
Collaborators
Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC
Responsible party
Patrick Dillon, MD (Assistant Professor, Hematology and Oncology, University of Virginia) — Principal investigator
First posted
Sep 5, 2017
Start date
Dec 29, 2017
Primary completion
Nov 30, 2024
Completion
Jan 2031 (estimated)
Results posted
Feb 27, 2026
Last update
Feb 27, 2026

Study contacts

Patrick Dillon, MD
principal investigator · University of Virginia

Oversight

Data monitoring committee
Yes
FDA-regulated drug
Yes
FDA-regulated device
No
View the source record on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

Not currently enrolling

This study is active, not recruiting, as verified in Feb 2026. You cannot join it, but the record below documents what was studied.

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