A phase 1, first-in-human (FIH) study of autologous macrophages engineered to express an anti-HER2 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) in participants (pts) with HER2-overexpressing solid tumors.

Abstract

TPS2666 Background: Macrophages are abundant in the solid tumor microenvironment (sTME) and can promote tumor growth (M2) or enhance anti-tumor immunity (M1). CAR expression can redirect macrophage function to selectively target and phagocytose antigen overexpressing cancer cells. CAR-M can reprogram the sTME and present neoantigens to T cells, leading to epitope spreading and anti-tumor immunity. CT-0508 is comprised of autologous monocyte-derived proinflammatory macrophages expressing an anti-HER2 CAR. Pre-clinical studies showed that CT-0508 induced targeted cancer cell phagocytosis while sparing normal cells, decreased tumor burden, prolonged survival, and was safe. Notably, anti-HER2 CAR-M treatment led to activation of the sTME, with infiltration of CD8+ and CD4+ T cells, NK cells, dendritic cells, and increased activated CD8+ tumor infiltrating lymphocytes. In a pre-clinical anti-PD1 resistant solid tumor model, mice that received anti-HER2 CAR-M and anti-PD1 demonstrated improved tumor control, overall survival, and TME activation compared to single treatment alone, indicating synergy and capacity for CAR-M to sensitize solid tumors to checkpoint blockade. Methods: This Phase 1, First in Human study evaluates the safety, tolerability, cell manufacturing feasibility, trafficking, TME activation, and preliminary evidence of efficacy of investigational product CT-0508 in 18 participants (pts) with locally advanced (unresectable) /metastatic solid tumors overexpressing HER2. Pts previously treated with anti-HER2 therapies are eligible. Filgrastim mobilized autologous CD14+ monocytes are collected by apheresis, followed by manufacturing and cryopreservation. Group 1 pts (n = 9; enrollment complete) received fractionated doses of CT-0508 over Days 1, 3, and 5. Group 2 pts (n = 9) receive CT-0508 as a single infusion on D1. Additional cohorts include: CT-0508 co-administered with pembrolizumab and CT-0508 monotherapy administered intraperitoneally in pts with peritoneal predominant disease. Correlative assessments include pre- and post-treatment biopsies and blood samples for safety (immunogenicity), trafficking (PCR, RNA scope), CT-0508 persistence in blood and tumor, target antigen engagement, TME modulation (single cell RNA sequencing), immune response (TCR sequencing) and others. Clinical trial information: NCT04660929 .