A Phase 1 interventional study of T cells or CAR T cells and Pembrolizumab Injectable Product in Sarcoma, HER-2 Protein Overexpression and Osteosarcoma, sponsored by Baylor College of Medicine. Recruiting at 1 site in United States. Open to participants aged 1 Year to 25 Years. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-01-22.
Sponsored by Baylor College of Medicine · Phase 1, Interventional, and Treatment
The purpose of this study is to learn whether it is safe to give HER2-CAR T cells in combination with an immune checkpoint inhibitor drug (pembrolizumab or nivolumab), to learn what the side effects are, and to see whether this therapy might help patients with sarcoma.
Another goal of this study is to study the bacteria found in the stool of patients with sarcoma who are being treated with HER2 CAR T cells and immune checkpoint inhibitor drugs to see if the types of bacteria influence how well the treatment works.
The investigators have found from previous research that they can put a new gene into T cells that will make them recognize cancer cells and kill them. They now want to see if they can put a new gene in these cells that will let the T cells recognize and kill sarcoma cells. The new gene that the investigators will put in makes an antibody specific for HER2 (Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2) that binds to sarcoma cells. In addition, it contains CD28, which stimulated T cells and make them last longer. After this new gene is put into the T cell, the T cell becomes known as a chimeric antigen receptor T cell or CAR T cell.
In another clinical study using these CAR T cells targeting HER2 as well as other studies using CAR T cells, investigators found that giving chemotherapy before the T cell infusion can improve the effect the T cells can have. Giving chemotherapy before a T cell infusion is called lymphodepletion since the chemotherapy is specifically chosen to decrease the number of lymphocytes in the body. Decreasing the number of the patient's lymphocytes first should allow the infused T cells to expand in the body, and potentially kill cancer cells more effectively.
The chemotherapy used for lymphodepletion is a combination of cyclophosphamide and fludarabine.
After the patient receives the lymphodepletion chemotherapy and CAR T cells during treatment on the study, they will receive an antibody drug called an immune checkpoint inhibitor, pembrolizumab or nivolumab. Immune checkpoint inhibitors are drugs that remove the brakes on the immune system to allow it to act against cancer.
Patients will first be asked to give blood to make the HER2 CAR T cells. These cells are grown and frozen for the patient. To get the HER2 antibody (and the CD28zeta) to attach to the surface of the T-cell, investigators insert the antibody gene into the T-cell. This is done with a virus called a retrovirus that has been made for this study and will carry the antibody gene into the T cell. This virus also helps the investigators find the T cells in the patient's blood after they are injected. Because the patients in this study receive cells with a new gene in them, they will be followed for a total of 15 years to see if there are any long-term side effects of gene transfer.
Patients will receive cyclophosphamide for 2 days followed by fludarabine for 5 days before receiving the HER2 CAR T cells. These chemotherapies may be given in the clinic or hospital.
The fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and HER2 CAR T cells will be given intravenously (through a needle inserted into a vein or port-a-cath or another type of central venous line).
Before the patient receives the injection of HER2 CAR T cells, they may be given a dose of Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) and Tylenol (Acetaminophen). The injection of T cells will take between 1 and 10 minutes. Patients will be monitored in the clinic or hospital after the injection for up to 4 hours. The treatment will be given by the Center for Cell and Gene Therapy at Texas Children's Hospital. Patients will be follow ed in the clinic after the T-cell injection and also by disease evaluations from their primary doctor.
One week after the patient receives the HER2 CAR T cells,they will begin receiving an immune checkpoint inhibitor pembrolizumab every three weeks or nivolumab every two weeks . If the patient experiences any immune side effects from treatment with the HER2 CAR T cells, treatment with pembrolizumab (or nivolumab) will be delayed until they have recovered from those side effects. Pembrolizumab (or nivolumab) is given intravenously and at Texas Children's Hospital.
Medical tests before treatment
Before being treated, patients will receive a series of standard medical tests:
Medical tests during and after treatment
Patients will receive standard medical tests when they are getting the infusions and after:
To learn more about the way the HER2 CAR T cells are working and how long they last in the body, an extra amount of blood, based on the patient's weight, up to a maximum of 60 ml (12 teaspoons) of blood will be taken on the day -1, and the day of the T-cell infusion, before and at the end of the T-cell infusion, 1, 2, 4 and 6 weeks after the T-cell infusion and every 3 months for 1 year, every 6 months for 4 years, then yearly for a total of 15 years. One additional blood sample might be drawn 3 to 4 days after the T-cell infusion; this is optional. If the patient develops fever or other inflammation following CAR T cell injection, additional blood samples may be collected daily until the inflammation has resolved. For children, the total amount of blood drawn will not be more than 3 ml (less than 1 teaspoon) per 1 kg of body weight on any one day. This volume is considered safe but may be decreased if the patient is anemic.
During the time points listed above, if the T cells are found in the patient's blood at a certain amount an extra 5 ml of blood may need to be collected for additional testing.
To perform the bacteria studies on the patient's stool, the patient with provide a stool sample during chemotherapy, after HER2 CAR T cell infusion, and after starting pembrolizumab (or nivolumab) treatment, and at optional additional timepoints for up to 6 months after treatment stops.
If the patient received the prescribed treatment (lymphodepletion chemotherapy, HER2 CAR T cells, and two doses of pembrolizumab or nivolumab) and tolerated the treatment well, they can receive additional doses of the T cells at 6 to 12 weeks intervals and continue on treatment with pembrolizumab or nivolumab if they wish for up to 12 weeks after the last T cell infusion. After each T-cell infusion, the patient will be monitored as described above.
If the patient has a tumor biopsy performed any time while they are on study, a sample of this will be used for research purposes (if a sample can be obtained).
If a partial of full tumor resection is in the patient's best interest while on study, this can be done so long as it has been at least 6 weeks since the first HER2 CAR T cell infusion and at least 2 weeks from the most recent nivolumab or pembrolizumab treatment. If surgery is performed, additional trial therapy will not be given for 2 weeks or until the patient has fully recovered.
To understand the effect of this treatment on the tumor, sequencing including but not limited to whole-genome sequencing on blood and tumor samples may be done for research purposes. Some of these studies may be done in collaboration with researchers outside of Baylor College of Medicine. In these cases, the blood and tumor samples will be coded to remove all personal identifiers before the samples are sent, such that the identity of the study participant is only available to the study investigators at Baylor College of Medicine.
If the patient develops a second abnormal growth, significant blood or nervous system disorder during the trial, a biopsy sample of the tissue will be tested (if a sample can be obtained).
Patients will receive supportive care for acute or chronic toxicity, including blood components or antibiotics, and other intervention as appropriate.
1,607 studies on the registry are indexed under Sarcoma; 366 are open to participants now.
This study's planned enrollment of 25 is below the median of 40 across 1,255 interventional studies indexed under Sarcoma.
Browse Sarcoma studies →Baylor College of Medicine is the lead sponsor of 747 studies on the registry; 110 are open to participants now.
Of its 84 completed or terminated interventional studies of FDA-regulated products, 45 (54%) have results posted.
Counted across the registry records on this site, refreshed daily.
Procurement Inclusion Criteria:
Treatment Inclusion Criteria:
Procurement Exclusion Criteria:
Note: A new echocardiogram or is not required to make this determination.
Treatment Exclusion Criteria:
Underlined terms in the criteria open these too. Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
HER2 is a protein, made from the ERBB2 gene, that drives the growth of some cancers. A study may look for a level of the protein, extra copies of the gene, or a particular change in it.
In breast cancer, protein tests are read as HER2-positive, HER2-low or HER2-negative; other cancers use their own rules. Check which test result the study requires.
A 0–100 scale of how well someone can carry out everyday activities. 100 is no complaints and no signs of illness; 70 is able to look after yourself but not to work or keep up normal activity; 50 is needing considerable help and frequent medical care.
Studies often ask for 60 or 70 and above. Your doctor gives the score.
Before you join, the study team explains what taking part involves — its purpose, what happens, the risks and possible benefits — and answers your questions, so you can decide freely. Consent is usually recorded on a form (the informed consent form, ICF) signed by you or, where the law allows, by someone legally authorised to decide for you.
You can keep asking questions during the study, you are told of new information that matters, and you can choose to leave at any time.
The share of blood the heart’s main pumping chamber (the left ventricle) pushes out with each beat, measured by an echocardiogram (heart ultrasound) or a MUGA scan. About 50–70% is normal.
A yellow substance made when red blood cells are broken down, which the liver clears. A high level can mean a problem with the liver or the bile ducts.
Criteria often allow more for people with Gilbert’s syndrome, a harmless inherited condition that raises bilirubin.
The top of the normal range for a blood test, as set by the laboratory that runs it. Each lab prints its own range next to your result.
“≤ 2.5 × ULN” means the result can be up to two and a half times that top value.
Two enzymes measured in a routine blood test of the liver. Higher levels can mean the liver is under strain or damaged. SGPT and SGOT are older names for ALT and AST.
Criteria usually give a limit as a multiple of the upper limit of normal (ULN), often higher when cancer has spread to the liver.
The protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. A low level is anaemia, which can cause tiredness and breathlessness. Measured in g/dL or g/L (9 g/dL is 90 g/L).
The number of neutrophils, white blood cells that help fight infection, in a given amount of blood. Too few raises the risk of infection.
It is a count, not a percentage of the white cells. Limits are written in units that mean the same: ≥ 1.5 × 10⁹/L is ≥ 1,500 per mm³ (µL). Each lab has its own reference range.
Blood cells that help blood clot. Too few raises the risk of bleeding and bruising. A usual adult range is about 150–400 × 10⁹/L (150,000–400,000 per µL); each lab has its own reference range.
Able to become pregnant: from the first period until menopause, unless permanently unable to through surgery (removal of the womb, or of both ovaries or both fallopian tubes).
Criteria for people of childbearing potential usually ask for a negative pregnancy test and for contraception during the study and for a time after it.
Ways of preventing pregnancy. “Highly effective” methods fail less than 1% of the time a year when used correctly — for example an IUD or an implant.
Criteria usually say which methods count and how long to keep using them after the last dose, sometimes for male participants too. Some studies accept a partner’s vasectomy if it was confirmed successful and that person is the participant’s only sexual partner.
Periods have stopped for good: usually no period for 12 months in a row without another medical reason, sometimes confirmed by a blood test (FSH).
The human immunodeficiency virus, which weakens the immune system.
Many studies now accept people whose HIV is controlled on treatment, judged by the viral load and the CD4 count. Check the limits this study sets.
Malignancy means cancer. Criteria about another or earlier malignancy ask whether you have had a different cancer, usually within a set number of years.
Some are commonly allowed, such as treated skin cancers other than melanoma and early cancers removed completely — check the exceptions this study lists.
An allergy, or another reaction of the immune system, to a substance. “Hypersensitivity to the study drug” means a known allergic reaction to it — not every side effect a medicine can have.
The other ingredients in a medicine besides the active drug, such as fillers, colours or preservatives.
The New York Heart Association’s four classes of how much heart failure limits physical activity.
Studies set their own limit — many outside heart failure leave out class III–IV, while heart failure studies may ask for a particular class. Check the class this study names.
Judged by the study doctor to matter for your health or for the study. It is a doctor’s decision, so ask the study team if you are unsure whether something counts.
A recording of the heart’s electrical activity, taken with stickers on the chest, arms and legs. It takes a few minutes and does not hurt.
A condition in which the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, psoriasis, type 1 diabetes or inflammatory bowel disease.
Immunotherapy studies often leave out active autoimmune disease, and some name exceptions, such as thyroid disease on replacement hormone. Check the exceptions this study lists.
Anti-inflammatory medicines such as prednisone, prednisolone and dexamethasone — not the anabolic steroids used for muscle.
Studies differ in what they allow: check which steroid medicines, routes (tablets, injections, creams, inhalers, eye drops) and doses this study accepts.
A weakened immune system. It can come from an illness, such as HIV or some blood cancers, or from medicines that turn the immune system down, for example after an organ transplant or for an autoimmune disease; steroids at higher doses count.
Read whether the line is about a condition or about medicines, and which medicines and doses it means.
Cancer that has spread from where it began to other parts of the body. “Metastatic” cancer is cancer that has spread this way.
Vaccines made with a weakened form of the germ, such as measles–mumps–rubella (MMR), chickenpox and yellow fever. They can be risky when the immune system is weakened. Flu injections are not live; the nasal flu spray is.
HER2
HER2 is a protein, made from the ERBB2 gene, that drives the growth of some cancers. A study may look for a level of the protein, extra copies of the gene, or a particular change in it.
In breast cancer, protein tests are read as HER2-positive, HER2-low or HER2-negative; other cancers use their own rules. Check which test result the study requires.
Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
Karnofsky performance status (KPS)
A 0–100 scale of how well someone can carry out everyday activities. 100 is no complaints and no signs of illness; 70 is able to look after yourself but not to work or keep up normal activity; 50 is needing considerable help and frequent medical care.
Studies often ask for 60 or 70 and above. Your doctor gives the score.
Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
Informed consent
Before you join, the study team explains what taking part involves — its purpose, what happens, the risks and possible benefits — and answers your questions, so you can decide freely. Consent is usually recorded on a form (the informed consent form, ICF) signed by you or, where the law allows, by someone legally authorised to decide for you.
You can keep asking questions during the study, you are told of new information that matters, and you can choose to leave at any time.
Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
LVEF (left ventricular ejection fraction)
The share of blood the heart’s main pumping chamber (the left ventricle) pushes out with each beat, measured by an echocardiogram (heart ultrasound) or a MUGA scan. About 50–70% is normal.
Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
Bilirubin
A yellow substance made when red blood cells are broken down, which the liver clears. A high level can mean a problem with the liver or the bile ducts.
Criteria often allow more for people with Gilbert’s syndrome, a harmless inherited condition that raises bilirubin.
Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
ULN (upper limit of normal)
The top of the normal range for a blood test, as set by the laboratory that runs it. Each lab prints its own range next to your result.
“≤ 2.5 × ULN” means the result can be up to two and a half times that top value.
Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
ALT and AST (liver enzymes)
Two enzymes measured in a routine blood test of the liver. Higher levels can mean the liver is under strain or damaged. SGPT and SGOT are older names for ALT and AST.
Criteria usually give a limit as a multiple of the upper limit of normal (ULN), often higher when cancer has spread to the liver.
Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
Hemoglobin (Hb)
The protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. A low level is anaemia, which can cause tiredness and breathlessness. Measured in g/dL or g/L (9 g/dL is 90 g/L).
Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
Absolute neutrophil count (ANC)
The number of neutrophils, white blood cells that help fight infection, in a given amount of blood. Too few raises the risk of infection.
It is a count, not a percentage of the white cells. Limits are written in units that mean the same: ≥ 1.5 × 10⁹/L is ≥ 1,500 per mm³ (µL). Each lab has its own reference range.
Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
Platelets
Blood cells that help blood clot. Too few raises the risk of bleeding and bruising. A usual adult range is about 150–400 × 10⁹/L (150,000–400,000 per µL); each lab has its own reference range.
Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
Childbearing potential
Able to become pregnant: from the first period until menopause, unless permanently unable to through surgery (removal of the womb, or of both ovaries or both fallopian tubes).
Criteria for people of childbearing potential usually ask for a negative pregnancy test and for contraception during the study and for a time after it.
Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
Contraception
Ways of preventing pregnancy. “Highly effective” methods fail less than 1% of the time a year when used correctly — for example an IUD or an implant.
Criteria usually say which methods count and how long to keep using them after the last dose, sometimes for male participants too. Some studies accept a partner’s vasectomy if it was confirmed successful and that person is the participant’s only sexual partner.
Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
Postmenopausal
Periods have stopped for good: usually no period for 12 months in a row without another medical reason, sometimes confirmed by a blood test (FSH).
Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
HIV
The human immunodeficiency virus, which weakens the immune system.
Many studies now accept people whose HIV is controlled on treatment, judged by the viral load and the CD4 count. Check the limits this study sets.
Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
Cancer (malignancy)
Malignancy means cancer. Criteria about another or earlier malignancy ask whether you have had a different cancer, usually within a set number of years.
Some are commonly allowed, such as treated skin cancers other than melanoma and early cancers removed completely — check the exceptions this study lists.
Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
Hypersensitivity
An allergy, or another reaction of the immune system, to a substance. “Hypersensitivity to the study drug” means a known allergic reaction to it — not every side effect a medicine can have.
Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
Excipients
The other ingredients in a medicine besides the active drug, such as fillers, colours or preservatives.
Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
NYHA class (heart failure)
The New York Heart Association’s four classes of how much heart failure limits physical activity.
Studies set their own limit — many outside heart failure leave out class III–IV, while heart failure studies may ask for a particular class. Check the class this study names.
Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
Clinically significant
Judged by the study doctor to matter for your health or for the study. It is a doctor’s decision, so ask the study team if you are unsure whether something counts.
Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
ECG (electrocardiogram)
A recording of the heart’s electrical activity, taken with stickers on the chest, arms and legs. It takes a few minutes and does not hurt.
Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
Autoimmune disease
A condition in which the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, psoriasis, type 1 diabetes or inflammatory bowel disease.
Immunotherapy studies often leave out active autoimmune disease, and some name exceptions, such as thyroid disease on replacement hormone. Check the exceptions this study lists.
Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
Corticosteroids (steroids)
Anti-inflammatory medicines such as prednisone, prednisolone and dexamethasone — not the anabolic steroids used for muscle.
Studies differ in what they allow: check which steroid medicines, routes (tablets, injections, creams, inhalers, eye drops) and doses this study accepts.
Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
Immunosuppression
A weakened immune system. It can come from an illness, such as HIV or some blood cancers, or from medicines that turn the immune system down, for example after an organ transplant or for an autoimmune disease; steroids at higher doses count.
Read whether the line is about a condition or about medicines, and which medicines and doses it means.
Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
Metastases
Cancer that has spread from where it began to other parts of the body. “Metastatic” cancer is cancer that has spread this way.
Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
Live vaccines
Vaccines made with a weakened form of the germ, such as measles–mumps–rubella (MMR), chickenpox and yellow fever. They can be risky when the immune system is weakened. Flu injections are not live; the nasal flu spray is.
Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
autologous HER2 CAR T cells infused in combination with lymphodepletion chemotherapy and the PD-1 antibody pembrolizumab
Genetic: T cells or CAR T cells · Drug: Pembrolizumab Injectable Product
autologous HER2 CAR T cells infused in combination with lymphodepletion chemotherapy and the PD-1 antibody nivolumab
Genetic: T cells or CAR T cells · Drug: Nivolumab Injectable Product
There are 2 dose levels: Dose Level 1 (1x10\^8 cells/m2) and Dose Level -1 (5x10\^7 cells/m2). In the event that Dose Level 1 is not tolerable, de-escalation to Dose Level -1 will occur.
Also known as: HER2 CAR T cells
2 mg/kg/dose (max 200 mg/dose) every 3 weeks
Also known as: immune checkpoint inhibitor
3 mg/kg/dose (\<40kg) or 124 mg (≥40 kg) every 2 weeks
Also known as: immune checkpoint inhibitor
ARM A: Dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) rate by CTCAE v5.0. Neurotoxicity and cytokine release syndrome (CRS) will be graded according to ASTCT Consensus Grading System.
Any grade 5 event, Grade 3 and 4 cytokine release syndrome (CRS) or neurological toxicities that fail to return to grade 2 within 5 days of T cell infusion , and all other grade 3 or 4 toxicities (including allergic reactions to T cell infusions) that fail to return to grade 2 within 72 hours. In the event that the combination treatment potentiates expected, severe toxicities attributable to PD-1 antibody, investigators will employ an additional stopping rule which will be applied to each arm separately. If (1) two within the initial six patients treated or (2) greater than 33% of all patients thereafter develop greater than or equal to grade 3 non-hematologic, non-dermatologic toxicity attributable to PD-1 antibody but not attributable to HER2 CAR T cells during the DLT window, investigators will pause enrollment to that study arm. Toxicity will be evaluated according to the CTCAE v5.0 except for CRS and neurotoxicity.
Time frame: By day 42 or 14 days after second dose of Pembrolizumab (whichever is longer)
ARM B: Dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) rate by CTCAE v5.0. Neurotoxicity and cytokine release syndrome (CRS) will be graded according to ASTCT Consensus Grading System.
Any grade 5 event, Grade 3 and 4 cytokine release syndrome (CRS) or neurological toxicities that fail to return to grade 2 within 5 days of T cell infusion , and all other grade 3 or 4 toxicities (including allergic reactions to T cell infusions) that fail to return to grade 2 within 72 hours. In the event that the combination treatment potentiates expected, severe toxicities attributable to PD-1 antibody, investigators will employ an additional stopping rule which will be applied to each arm separately. If (1) two within the initial six patients treated or (2) greater than 33% of all patients thereafter develop greater than or equal to grade 3 non-hematologic, non-dermatologic toxicity attributable to PD-1 antibody but not attributable to HER2 CAR T cells during the DLT window, investigators will pause enrollment to that study arm. Toxicity will be evaluated according to the CTCAE v5.0 except for CRS and neurotoxicity.
Time frame: By day 42 or 7 days after third dose of Nivolumab (whichever is longer)
Overall Response rate according to RECIST 1.1 Criteria SD, PR and CR are considered responders.
Subjects who receive at least one dose of HER2 CAR T cells and two doses of PD-1 antibody are evaluable. Response in patients with disease measurable by imaging will be determined by the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) version 1.1
Time frame: 42 plus/minus 7 days
Started Dec 2021 (actual). Primary completion is estimated for Jun 2028, 78 months after the start.
Of 89 non-industry phase 1 interventional studies under Sarcoma, half reached primary completion within 62 months of starting (the median), counting those still running; a quarter within 34 and three quarters within 77. This study's planned 78 months is above that.
Counting every sponsor, half of 161 studies reached it within 56 months; a quarter within 35 and three quarters within 72.
How these figures are worked out, and which studies are left out of them.
Eligibility is decided by the study team. Share this record with your doctor or contact the team directly.
Contact study teamGet an email when the registry record changes — status, dates, results — or when someone posts here.
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