Exploring the safety and efficacy of GT201 as a first-in-class autologous tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte monotherapy in advanced solid tumors.
Authors: Han Zhengxiang , Fang Weijia , Chen Kai , Chen Youguo , Wang Hongmei , Tang Juanjuan , Yu Jing , Ma Liqing , Liu Yishan , Lu Lili , Shen Derun , Zhai Xue , Wang Pin , Liu Yarong 
Published: June 2024

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Background: GT201, featuring a membrane bound IL-15 stably expressed on tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL), aims to augment TIL persistence and function as well as ameliorate immune suppression within the tumor microenvironment, offering potential for durable responses in advanced solid tumor patients. We present data from 7 patients enrolled in an open-label, single-arm, multicenter clinical study (NCT05729399), investigating the safety profile and efficiency trend of GT201 therapy. Methods: The GT201 phase 1 trial is designed with the primary endpoint of DLT evaluation and the secondary endpoint of measuring preliminary efficacy parameters including overall response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), progression-free survival (PFS), duration of response (DOR, and overall survival (OS) following the RECIST v1.1. Results: As of January 22, 2024, a cohort of 7 pts has been enrolled in the study, with a median age of 48 and a median of 3 prior lines of therapy. Among these patients, 1 pt has a history of bone metastases, 2 pts have a history of liver metastases, and 1 pt has a history of brain metastases. Following the standard FC lymphodepletion, pts underwent infusion with GT201 at doses ≥ 5x109 total viable cells. Five pts subsequently received IL-2 as part of the treatment protocol. Treatment-related AEs were observed in ≥ 50% of pts with no grade≥3 AEs. Grade ≥ 3 AEs related to FC lymphodepleting chemotherapy and IL-2 included decreased lymphocyte count, decreased neutrophil count, and decreased white blood cell count, pyrexia and increased heart rate. Notably, all grade ≥3 AEs were either recovered or downgraded to grade ≤ 2 within 14 days. Among the 7 response-evaluable patients across various indications, including Non-Small-Cell-Lung Cancer (NSCLC), melanoma malignant, cervical cancer, and ovarian cancer, 3 patients (42.9%) achieved a confirmed partial response (PR), and 2 patients (28.6%) demonstrated stable disease (SD) as their best response. Notably, among the NSCLC subgroup, disease control (SD ≥ 24 weeks or any PR) was observed in all 3 pts (3/3, 100 %). GT201 cells can be detected in all patients receiving treatment, indicated by both staining IL15RA protein on peripheral T cells and measuring the transgene copy number in peripheral white blood cells. GT201 cells expanded robustly in patients and persist in peripheral blood beyond at least 6 months post cell infusion. Conclusions: In patients with heavily pretreated advanced or metastatic solid tumor, GT201, when infused after FC lymphodepletion and followed by high dose IL-2, exhibits a manageable safety profile. Notably, GT201 has demonstrated a favorable clinical profile in NSCLC, with an encouraging objective response rate, response durability, and no GT201-treatment related grade≥3 AEs. Clinical trial information: NCT05729399 .