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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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
Exclusion Criteria:
The patient must be excluded from participating in the trial if the subject:
Has a history of significant cardiac disease, including:
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
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
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
8 infusions of HER2 BATs with 1-3 infusions of Pembrolizumab
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.
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.
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.
Overall Survival
Time from enrollment until death from any cause
Time frame: Every 3 months following last study visit until death
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
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
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.
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.
| Milestone | Phase 1: Schedule #1 | Phase 1: Schedule #2 | Phase 1: Schedule #3 | Phase 2: Schedule 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Started | 3 | 8 | 3 | 8 |
| Completed | 3 | 7 | 3 | 4 |
| Not completed | 0 | 1 | 0 | 4 |
| Withdrew: Never started cellular infusions | 0 | 1 | 0 | 4 |
Maximum tolerated dose will be based on number of dose limiting toxicities in each schedule/arm
| participants | Phase 1: Schedule #1 | Phase 1: Schedule #2 | Phase 1: Schedule #3 | Phase 2: Schedule #3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dose Limiting Toxicities (Escalation and Expansion Cohorts) | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Dose Limiting toxicities on the arm selected based on the dose/schedule selection part of the study.
| Participants | Phase 1: Schedule #1 | Phase 1: Schedule #2 | Phase 1: Schedule #3 | Phase 2: Schedule #3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dose Limiting Toxicities on the Selected Arm in the Expansion Cohort | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
The percentage of subjects with a response of complete response (CR) or partial response (PR) per immune related response criteria (irRC)
Results for this outcome have not been posted.
Time from enrollment until death from any cause
| days | Phase 1: Schedule #1 | Phase 1: Schedule #2 | Phase 1: Schedule #3 | Phase 2: Schedule #3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Survival | 687 ± 224 | 677 ± 547 | 547 ± 406 | 405 ± 339 |
Time from enrollment to time of first progression after enrollment (days)
| days | Phase 1: Schedule #1 | Phase 1: Schedule #2 | Phase 1: Schedule #3 | Phase 2: Schedule 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Progression-Free Survival | 146 ± 52.2 | 173 ± 218 | 280 ± 247 | 152 ± 113 |
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
Results for this outcome have not been posted.
The percentage of subjects who achieve complete response, partial response and stable disease following treatment.
Results for this outcome have not been posted.
The time from documentation of tumor response to disease progression.
Results for this outcome have not been posted.
Collected over From enrollment to 30 days after last treatment, up to 3 years. Non-serious events are listed at a 0% frequency threshold.
| Group | Deaths | Serious | Other |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phase 1: Schedule #1 | 3/3 (100%) | 1/3 (33.3%) | 3/3 (100%) |
| Phase 2: Schedule #2 | 7/7 (100%) | 1/7 (14.3%) | 7/7 (100%) |
| Phase 1: Schedule #3 | 3/3 (100%) | 0/3 (0%) | 3/3 (100%) |
| Phase 2: Schedule #3 | 4/4 (100%) | 2/4 (50%) | 4/4 (100%) |
| Event | Phase 1: Schedule #1 | Phase 2: Schedule #2 | Phase 1: Schedule #3 | Phase 2: Schedule #3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HypotensionVascular disorders | 1/3 | 1/7 | 0/3 | 1/4 |
| ConfusionNervous system disorders | 1/3 | 0/7 | 0/3 | 0/4 |
| TachycardiaCardiac disorders | 1/3 | 0/7 | 0/3 | 1/4 |
| BronchospasmRespiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders | 0/3 | 0/7 | 0/3 | 1/4 |
| alanine aminotransferase elevationGastrointestinal disorders | 0/3 | 1/7 | 0/3 | 0/4 |
| HypertensionVascular disorders | 0/3 | 1/7 | 0/3 | 0/4 |
| Event | Phase 1: Schedule #1 | Phase 2: Schedule #2 | Phase 1: Schedule #3 | Phase 2: Schedule #3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HypotensionVascular disorders | 1/3 | 7/7 | 3/3 | 4/4 |
| chillsGeneral disorders | 1/3 | 3/7 | 3/3 | 4/4 |
| HeadacheNervous system disorders | 3/3 | 5/7 | 2/3 | 1/4 |
| nauseaGastrointestinal disorders | 2/3 | 3/7 | 3/3 | 3/4 |
| anemiaBlood and lymphatic system disorders | 3/3 | 2/7 | 0/3 | 3/4 |
| hypertensionVascular disorders | 3/3 | 7/7 | 1/3 | 4/4 |
| vomitingGastrointestinal disorders | 2/3 | 2/7 | 3/3 | 1/4 |
| sinus tachycardiaCardiac disorders | 2/3 | 6/7 | 0/3 | 2/4 |
| feverGeneral disorders | 1/3 | 5/7 | 2/3 | 1/4 |
| hypercalcemiaInvestigations | 0/3 | 1/7 | 2/3 | 2/4 |
| Age, Customized(years) | Phase 1: Schedule #1 | Phase 1: Schedule #2 | Phase 1: Schedule #3 | Phase 2: Schedule #3 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median (SD) | 64.7 ± 13.7 | 51.5 ± 16.8 | 56.2 ± 10.2 | 53.3 ± 11.9 | 54.6 ± 13.7 |
| Sex: Female, Male(Participants) | Phase 1: Schedule #1 | Phase 1: Schedule #2 | Phase 1: Schedule #3 | Phase 2: Schedule #3 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Female | 3 | 8 | 3 | 8 | 22 |
| Male | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)(Participants) | Phase 1: Schedule #1 | Phase 1: Schedule #2 | Phase 1: Schedule #3 | Phase 2: Schedule #3 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hispanic or Latino | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
| Not Hispanic or Latino | 3 | 7 | 3 | 7 | 20 |
| Unknown or Not Reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Race (NIH/OMB)(Participants) | Phase 1: Schedule #1 | Phase 1: Schedule #2 | Phase 1: Schedule #3 | Phase 2: Schedule #3 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Indian or Alaska Native | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Asian | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Black or African American | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| White | 3 | 8 | 3 | 7 | 21 |
| More than one race | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Unknown or Not Reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Region of Enrollment(participants) | Phase 1: Schedule #1 | Phase 1: Schedule #2 | Phase 1: Schedule #3 | Phase 2: Schedule #3 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 3 | 8 | 3 | 8 | 22 |
| ECOG Performance status(units on a scale) | Phase 1: Schedule #1 | Phase 1: Schedule #2 | Phase 1: Schedule #3 | Phase 2: Schedule #3 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mean | 1.2 (0 to 2) | 1.3 (0 to 2) | 1.2 (0 to 2) | 1.2 (0 to 2) | 1.2 (0 to 2) |
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