Dr. Linda Liau at UCLA is the Principal Investigator for an immunotherapy-based clinical trial for patients with recurrent malignant gliomas. The cellular therapy involves adoptive transfer of activated lymphocytes (T cells) into the resected tumor beds of patients through an implanted reservoir/catheter placed at the time of surgical resection of the tumor. The lymphocytes, derived from healthy, unrelated donors, have been trained to react to patient-specific HLA (human leukocyte antigen). Therefore, the treatment is personalized to the individual patient. The cytotoxic lymphocytes are specifically directed toward tumor cells that express HLA, but not normal brain cells, which do not express HLA.

The experimental therapy entails 2 intratumoral injections of activated lymphocytes, given a week apart (one cycle). Up to five cycles (10 injections) are possible and are administered every other month at the UCLA General Clinical Research Center. The intent is to enroll patients with recurrent malignant gliomas (WHO grade III and IV) who have failed standard therapy (radiation and Temozolomide).

To qualify for the study, patients must be adults between the ages of 18 and 70. They must be eligible for surgical resection of their recurrent brain tumor at UCLA. For assessment of eligibility or for more information, please contact study coordinator, Emma Young, RN (elyoung@mednet.ucla.edu) at 310-267-2621.