Science Highlights
Published on October 16, 2026
IL13Rα2 CAR T Cells for Recurrent Glioma
by Clinical Cancer Research
Kim K, Song S-W, Jeon Y, et al. Phase I Trial of IL13Rα2-Targeted CAR T-Cell Therapy for Recurrent Malignant Glioma: Clinical Results and Pharmacokinetics. Clinical Cancer Research. 2026; (doi: 10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-26-0645).
The efficacy of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy targeting interleukin 13 receptor α2 (IL13Rα2) for patients with malignant gliomas has yet to be determined, but Phase I evidence suggests the intervention is both safe and well tolerated in this population. For the study, 10 participants presented with World Health Organization grade 3-4 gliomas with confirmed IL13Rα2 expression. Patients were sequentially assigned to receive a single I.V. infusion of autologous CAR T cells at a dosage of 1 × 107, 3 × 107, or 1 × 108 cells/kg. No dose-limiting toxicities were documented and adverse events, including pyrexia and elevated transaminases, never exceeded grade 3 in severity. Median progression-free survival was 2.6 months, and overall survival was 10.9 months. Although the maximum tolerated dose was not reached, further studies are needed to determine most effective dose and biomarkers for efficacy, the study authors write.
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