Clinical Trial

CAR-T Cell Therapy for Recurrent Glioblastoma

Glioblastoma is the most common and most aggressive malignant brain tumor in adults. Despite surgery and combined radio-chemotherapy, nearly all patients experience tumor recurrence. Currently, there is no cure, and new treatment options are urgently needed.

In recent years, immunotherapies have shown promise in cancer treatment. One such approach is CAR-T cell therapy, in which a patient’s own immune cells are modified to recognize and attack tumor cells.

How do CAR-T cells work?

  1. Blood Collection – A blood sample is taken from the patient.

  2. T-Cell Isolation – T-cells (a key immune cell type) are separated from the blood.

  3. Genetic Engineering – In the laboratory, these T-cells are modified to recognize a specific tumor marker called EGFRvIII, found in about one-third of glioblastomas.

  4. Cell Expansion – The modified “CAR-T cells” are multiplied to large numbers.

  5. Infusion – The CAR-T cells are returned to the patient, where they can seek out and destroy tumor cells carrying EGFRvIII.

Link to publication

Our study

At the University Hospital Basel, we are planning a first-in-human Phase I clinical trial to test a new CAR-T cell therapy designed specifically for glioblastoma.
What makes this approach unique is its dual mechanism of action:
  1. Direct Tumor Targeting – The CAR-T cells are engineered to recognize and attack EGFRvIII-positive glioblastoma cells
  2. Immune System Boosting – At the same time, the CAR-T cells release a protein that blocks CD47, a “don’t-eat-me” signal that tumors use to hide from the immune system. Blocking CD47 allows brain immune cells (microglia and macrophages) to attack the tumor more effectively.

In preclinical studies, this combined strategy resulted in significantly stronger tumor elimination than standard CAR-T therapies.

Press & Podcast Coverage

Our clinical trial has been making headlines. Explore the latest news coverage and listen to featured podcasts discussing our research and its impact on the future of healthcare.

Prime News Podcast (in German)

Prime News interviewed Prof. Gregor Hutter in June 2025 about the innovative immunotherapy approach behind this clinical trial. In the podcast, he explains why previous glioblastoma therapies have fallen short, how the trial will be conducted, whether the therapy could be applied to other cancers, and what the international competitive landscape looks like.

   

Uni News Article

An article featured in Uni Basel News providing background on the science and strategy behind this clinical trial, highlighting the multi-angle approach researchers are taking to tackle glioblastoma

Why This Study Matters

This clinical trial is designed to answer two key questions:

  1. Safety: Can locally delivered, next-generation CAR-T cells be administered safely to patients with recurrent glioblastoma?

  2. Effectiveness: Do these cells successfully attack tumor cells in the brain?

If successful, this research could pave the way for a new era of glioblastoma treatment, offering a personalized immunotherapy approach that overcomes the unique challenges of brain tumors.

Clinical Team

Manina ETTER

Gregor HUTTER

Birsel KLEIN-REESINK

Tatjana MEYER

Preclinical Team

Andreas ZINGG

Andreas ZINGG

Timo SCHENKER

Timo SCHENKER

Patrice ZEIS

Patrice ZEIS

Valerie SABATINO

Valerio SABATINO

You may be eligible to join this study if you:

  • Are an adult diagnosed with recurrent glioblastoma that is EGFRvIII-positive (confirmed by tumor tissue testing).

  • Have experienced a tumor recurrence after completing standard therapy (surgery and combined radio-chemotherapy).

Your journey in the study follows several carefully monitored steps:

1. Screening

  • Potential participants are identified during routine surgery or follow-up visits.
  • Eligibility is confirmed by reviewing tumor test results and overall health.

2. Treatment

  • Cell Collection: Your own blood is collected to isolate T-cells.
  • CAR-T Cell Production: These T-cells are genetically engineered and expanded in the lab.
  • Targeted Delivery: During a planned surgery, CAR-T cells are injected:
    • Directly into the tumor site in the brain.
    • Into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to reach other tumor-affected areas.
  • During the same surgery, a biopsy is taken and a temporary catheter is placed for careful monitoring.

3. Monitoring

  • After treatment, you will stay in the hospital for close observation (Initially in intensive care, then a step-down unit, followed by a regular ward)
  • After discharge, you will have regular follow-up visits for: MRI scans, Blood and fluid tests

4. Follow-up Surgery

  • Approximately two weeks later, the tumor is surgically removed, and the temporary catheter is taken out.
Patient Information Form

save the PDF document on your computer, fill it in,
and send it back to Manina.Etter@usb.ch