Overview
This study evaluates the safety, tolerability, and preliminary anti-tumor activity of EB-DUALNK, a dual-target chimeric antigen receptor natural killer (CAR-NK) cell therapy, in adults with recurrent or refractory epithelial ovarian cancer. Candidates for targeting include GD2, MUC1, PSMA, and mesothelin. After baseline biomarker assessment (tumor antigen expression), the program will select the most suitable dual-target pair for clinical testing. Participants will receive lymphodepleting chemotherapy followed by EB-DUALNK infusion and safety/response follow-up.
Description
EB-DUALNK is an investigational, genetically engineered NK-cell product designed to recognize tumor cells through two surface antigens. Dual targeting is intended to reduce antigen-escape and improve tumor recognition in heterogeneous solid tumors. Prior to first patient dosing, a biomarker assessment will review ovarian tumor expression patterns for GD2, MUC1, PSMA, and mesothelin (using immunohistochemistry and/or flow cytometry where feasible). The final dual-target pair will be chosen based on a pre-specified decision framework (antigen prevalence, co-expression, safety rationale, and manufacturing feasibility). The study includes a Phase 1 dose-escalation portion to identify the recommended Phase 2 dose (RP2D) and a Phase 2 expansion portion to further characterize safety and estimate preliminary efficacy at the RP2D.
Participants will receive lymphodepleting chemotherapy (cyclophosphamide and fludarabine) followed by a single infusion of EB-DUALNK. Repeat dosing may be permitted in selected cohorts if protocol-defined safety criteria are met. Safety monitoring includes assessment of cytokine release syndrome (CRS), immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS), infusion reactions, infections, and organ toxicities. Efficacy assessments include radiographic response by RECIST v1.1 and CA-125 (where applicable). Correlative studies evaluate CAR-NK persistence, phenotype, cytokines, and relationships between antigen expression and clinical outcomes.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Age 18-75 years; able to provide written informed consent.
- Histologically confirmed epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal carcinoma that is recurrent or refractory after standard therapy (at least 2 prior systemic regimens), with measurable disease per RECIST v1.1 and ECOG performance status 0-1.
- Tumor tissue available for antigen assessment. Participant must meet protocol-defined positivity for the selected dual-target pair (example: 1 target expressed in \>=50% of tumor cells by IHC and the second target in \>=20%).
- Adequate organ function per protocol-specified labs; negative pregnancy test nd agrees to use effective contraception for a protocol-defined period after infusion.
Exclusion Criteria:
- Active CNS metastases or carcinomatous meningitis (unless treated and stable for a protocol-defined period).
- Prior gene-modified cell therapy targeting any of the study antigens (GD2, MUC1, PSMA, mesothelin) within 6 months.
- Uncontrolled active infection (including uncontrolled HIV, HBV, or HCV) or active systemic fungal infection.
- Clinically significant cardiovascular disease (e.g., recent myocardial infarction, unstable angina, uncontrolled arrhythmia) or LVEF \<50% .
- Active autoimmune disease requiring systemic immunosuppression within 14 days prior to lymphodepletion (physiologic steroid replacement permitted).
- History of organ transplantation or allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Any condition that, in the investigator's judgment, would compromise participant safety or compliance.
