Story perspectives

City of Hope Launches Phase I meCAR T Trials

By Drooid · Sep 23, 2026, 6:32 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

City of Hope created plug-and-play meCAR T technology by attaching a meditope-binding molecule to CAR T cells.
MeCAR T cells accept protein-adaptor plug-ins adding tracking, growth or new cancer-targeting abilities.
City of Hope will run Phase I trials testing meCAR T safety in solid tumors and AML activity.
The work was funded by NCI grants R21-CA193055, P30-CA033572 and private foundations.
Meditope licensed the core technology to Dr. John Williams, who holds equity, receives royalties and consults.

Summary

German Patient Responds

A 58-year-old German patient achieved a rapid deep response after a second BCMA-CAR T infusion.
Bridging therapy with mezigdomide, carfilzomib and dexamethasone lowered tumor burden before retreatment.
Whole-genome sequencing confirmed preserved BCMA expression, guiding the repeat BCMA-targeted approach.
The patient experienced grade II cytokine release syndrome and prolonged cytopenias without neurotoxicity.
Jules Bordet Institute acquired equipment for intrathecal CAR T procedures, with a six-month commissioning period.

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Story summary

City of Hope created plug-and-play meCAR T technology by attaching a meditope-binding molecule to CAR T cells.
MeCAR T cells accept protein-adaptor plug-ins adding tracking, growth or new cancer-targeting abilities.
City of Hope will run Phase I trials testing meCAR T safety in solid tumors and AML activity.
The work was funded by NCI grants R21-CA193055, P30-CA033572 and private foundations.
Meditope licensed the core technology to Dr. John Williams, who holds equity, receives royalties and consults.

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