Cellular Immunotherapy in Treating Patients With High-Risk Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Phase I Study to Evaluate Cellular Immunotherapy Using Memory-Enriched T Cells Lentivirally Transduced to Express a CD19-Specific, Hinge-Optimized, CD28-Costimulatory Chimeric Receptor and a Truncated EGFR Following Lymphodepleting Chemotherapy in Adult Patients With High-Risk CD19+ Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

This phase I trial studies the side effects and best dose of cellular immunotherapy in treating patients with high-risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Placing a modified gene into white blood cells may help the body build an immune response to kill cancer cells.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVES: I. To examine the activity and safety of adoptive therapy using ex vivo expanded memory T cells that are enriched and genetically-modified to express a CD19-specific, hinge optimized, CD28-costimulatory chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) as well as a truncated human EGFR (Arm 1: CD19R(EQ)28zeta/truncated human EGFR [EGFRt]+ central memory T cells [TCM]; Arm 2: CD19R(EQ)28zeta/EGFRt+ naive and memory T cells [TN/NEM]) shortly following a lymphodepleting preparative regimen for adults with poor prognosis CD19+ acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). II. To determine the Phase II recommended dose (RP2D). III. To expand the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) dose to better describe the activity and safety of this dose. SECONDARY OBJECTIVE: I. To study additional antitumor activity endpoints of CD19R(EQ)28zeta/EGFRt+ TCM and CD19R(EQ)28zeta/EGFRt+ TN/NEM. OUTLINE: This is a dose-escalation study. ARM I (CLOSED TO ACCRUAL JANUARY 2019): Patients receive lymphodepleting regimen per treating physician's discretion 3-14 days before the T-cell infusion. Patients receive CD19CAR-CD28-CD3zeta-EGFRt-expressing Tcm-enriched T cells IV over 15 minutes on day 0. Patients who have evidence of disease, whose tumor(s) continue to express the appropriate antigen target may receive an optional second infusion of CD19CAR-CD28-CD3zeta-EGFRt-expressing Tcm-enriched T cells after 28 days. ARM II: Patients receive lymphodepleting regimen per treating physician's discretion 3-14 days before the T-cell infusion. Patients receive CD19CAR-CD28-CD3zeta-EGFRt-expressing Tn/nem-enriched T cells IV over 15 minutes on day 0. Patients who have evidence of disease, whose tumor(s) continue to express the appropriate antigen target may receive an optional second infusion of CD19CAR-CD28-CD3zeta-EGFRt-expressing Tn/nem-enriched T cells after 28 days. After completion of study treatment, patients are followed up at 24 hours, weekly for 1 month, monthly for 1 year, and then yearly for at least 15 years.

B Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, Recurrent Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, Refractory Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Patients receive lymphodepleting regimen per treating physician's discretion 3-14 days before the T-cell infusion. Patients receive CD19CAR-CD28-CD3zeta-EGFRt-expressing Tcm-enriched T cells IV over 15 minutes on day 0. Patients who have evidence of disease, whose tumor(s) continue to express the appropriate antigen target may receive an optional second infusion of CD19CAR-CD28-CD3zeta-EGFRt-expressing Tcm-enriched T cells after 28 days.

Patients receive lymphodepleting regimen per treating physician's discretion 3-14 days before the T-cell infusion. Patients receive CD19CAR-CD28-CD3zeta-EGFRt-expressing Tn/nem-enriched T cells IV over 15 minutes on day 0. Patients who have evidence of disease, whose tumor(s) continue to express the appropriate antigen target may receive an optional second infusion of CD19CAR-CD28-CD3zeta-EGFRt-expressing Tn/nem-enriched T cells after 28 days.

CD19-CAR-specific/truncated EGFR Lentiviral Vector-transduced T Cells, CD19CAR-CD28-CD3zeta-EGFRt-expressing Tcm-enriched T Cells, CD19R(EQ)28zeta/EGFRt+ TCM, CD19R(EQ)28zeta/truncated Human EGFR+ Central Memory T Cells, CD19R:CD28:lentiviral/EGFRt+ T Cells

CD19CAR-CD28-CD3zeta-EGFRt-expressing Tn/mem-enriched T Cells, CD19R(EQ)28zeta/EGFRt+ Naive and Memory T Cells, CD19R(EQ)28zetaEGFRt+ Tn/mem Cells

Toxicity profile of T-cell infusion as defined by all toxicities associated with T cells at the probably or definite levels

Assessed using Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) version 4.0. The incidence of toxicity will also be measured according to the modified cytokine release syndrome grading as applicable. Tables will be created to summarize all toxicities and side effects by dose, time post treatment (first 28 days, days 29-60, 61-100, > 100), organ, severity, and attribution.

Dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) rate at the phase II recommended dose (RP2D) (CD19R(EQ)28zeta/EGFRt+ central memory T cells)

Assessed using CTCAE version 4.0 for Arm I. Rates and associated 95% exact Clopper-Pearson binomial confidence limits will be estimated.

DLT rate at RP2D assessed using CTCAE version 4.0 for Arm II (CD19R(EQ)28zeta/EGFRt+ naive and memory T cells [TN/NEM])

Complete response (CR) or CR with incomplete bone marrow recovery (CRi) with the exception of participants in CR or CRi that go from minimal residual disease (MRD) negative to MRD positive or progress as determined by the principal investigator

Detection of transferred T cells in the circulation for at least 28 days by quantitative-polymerase chain reaction (PCR)

Rates and associated 95% exact Clopper-Pearson binomial confidence limits will be estimated. MRD over the study period will be reported using both descriptive statistics and graphical methods.

Normal CD19+ B cell levels over the study period will be reported using both descriptive statistics and graphical methods.

Inclusion Criteria: City of Hope (COH) pathology review confirms that research participant's diagnostic material is consistent with history of ALL with history of recurrence/progression/minimal residual disease (MRD) following prior therapy; additionally, CD19 positivity must be documented in a pathology report; however, it is not a requirement that the CD19 testing be performed by a COH pathologist; patients in second complete remission (CR2) or higher with history of CD19+ ALL on previous bone marrow biopsy are also eligible for the study Research participants with confirmed 1st or higher relapse of disease by morphology, cytogenetics or molecular, or research participants with refractory or residual disease Minimal residual disease (MRD) will be defined in this protocol by presence of malignant cells at 0.01% or more by flow cytometry or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis at the completion of initial remission induction therapy Participants with central nervous system (CNS) involvement by leukemia (CNS2 and CNS3) may be considered eligible after discussions with the study team. Karnofsky performance status (KPS) of >= 70% Life expectancy >= 16 weeks at time of enrollment Women of child-bearing potential and men must agree to use adequate contraception (hormonal or barrier method of birth control or abstinence) prior to study entry and for six months following duration of study participation; should a woman become pregnant or suspect that she is pregnant while participating on the trial, she should inform her treating physician immediately All research participants must have the ability to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent Note: For research participants who do not speak English, a short form consent may be used with a COH certified interpreter/translator to proceed with screening and leukapheresis, while the request for a translated full consent in processed; however, the research participant is allowed to proceed with lymphodepletion and T cell infusion only after the translated full consent form is signed PROTOCOL-SPECIFIC CRITERIA: COH pathology review confirms that research participant's diagnostic material is consistent with ALL; additionally, CD19 positivity must be documented in a pathology report; however it is not a requirement that the CD19 testing be performed by a COH pathologist Negative serum pregnancy test for women of childbearing potential If a research participant has undergone prior allogeneic stem cell transplant (alloSCT), and has documented =< grade 2 graft versus host disease (GVHD) but the donor is undergoing leukapheresis, the research participant may be considered eligible for enrollment (at the discretion of the study principal investigator [PI]) provided that immunosuppressants can be tapered off completely prior to lymphodepletion If the research participant is to undergo leukapheresis, he/she must have a pretreatment calculated creatinine clearance of >= 50 mL/minute If the research participant is to undergo leukapheresis, he/she must have a serum bilirubin =< 2.0 mg/dl Note: in the event a participant has elevated levels of liver enzymes possibly related to underlying disease, the participant will still be considered eligible If the research participant is to undergo leukapheresis, he/she must have alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) =< 2.5 times the institutional upper limits of normal Note: in the event a patient has elevated levels of liver enzymes possibly related to underlying disease, the patient will still be considered eligible If the research participant is to undergo leukapheresis, he/she must have ejection fraction measured by echocardiogram or multigated acquisition scan (MUGA) > 45% (within 6 weeks of time of screening) ELIGIBILITY TO PROCEED WITH PBMC COLLECTION If research participant is undergoing leukapheresis he/she must have appropriate venous access If research participant is undergoing leukapheresis, he/she must be at least 2 weeks from having received the last dose of immunosuppressant medications Exceptions: Steroids and tyrosine kinase inhibitors are allowed up to 7 days prior to leukapheresis Research participant cannot be on more than 5 mg prednisone or equivalent doses of other corticosteroids at the time of leukapheresis If research participant is undergoing leukapheresis and the research participant has undergone prior alloSCT, two months must have elapsed since allogeneic stem cell transplant to undergo PBMC collection for T cell manufacturing If research participant is undergoing leukapheresis the last dose of prior chemotherapy, immunotherapy or radiation must be at least 2 weeks before the leukapheresis procedure Exception rule: the wash out period for Hydrea is 48 hours ELIGIBILITY TO UNDERGO LYMPHODEPLETION: Please note that none of these criteria are applicable of the research participant's donor is undergoing leukapheresis Research participant's absolute leukemic blast count does not exceed 10,000 cells/uL Research participant has a released cryopreserved T cell product for T cell infusion on approximately day 0 KPS >= 70% Non-hematological toxicity related to prior therapy must either have returned to =< grade 3, baseline, or deemed irreversible Participants of reproductive potential must agree to use and utilize an adequate method of contraception throughout treatment and for at least 8 weeks after T cell infusion Not requiring supplemental oxygen or mechanical ventilation, oxygen saturation 90% or higher on room air Not requiring pressor support, no symptomatic cardiac arrhythmias, no acute coronary syndrome, or uncontrolled hypertension Preservation of renal function, serum creatinine did NOT increase by more than 2 fold above the normal reference range Total bilirubin =< 2.0 mg/dL Note: in the event a participant has elevated levels of liver enzymes possibly related to underlying disease/disease progression, the participant will still be considered eligible ALT and AST =< 2.5 times the institutional upper limits of normal Note: in the event a participant has elevated levels of liver enzymes possibly related to underlying disease/disease progression, the participant will still be considered eligible Research participants without clinically significant encephalopathy/new focal deficits No clinical evidence of uncontrolled active infectious process ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA AT TIME OF INFUSION OF GENETICALLY MODIFIED T CELLS: Please note that none of these criteria are applicable of the research participant's donor is undergoing leukapheresis Research participant has undergone lymphodepletion Pulmonary: not requiring supplemental oxygen or mechanical ventilation, oxygen saturation 90% or higher on room air Cardiovascular: not requiring pressor support, no symptomatic cardiac arrhythmias, no acute coronary syndrome, or uncontrolled hypertension Renal function: preservation of renal function, serum creatinine did NOT increase by more than 2 fold above the normal reference range Liver function: total bilirubin =< 2.0 mg/dL Note: in the event a participant has elevated levels of liver enzymes possibly related to underlying disease/disease progression, the participant will still be considered eligible Liver function: ALT and AST =< 2.5 times the institutional upper limits of normal Note: in the event a participant has elevated levels of liver enzymes possibly related to underlying disease/disease progression, the participant will still be considered eligible Research participant without clinically significant encephalopathy/new focal deficits Infectious diseases: no clinical evidence of uncontrolled active infectious process ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA TO UNDERGO OPTIONAL T CELL ABLATION: Please note that none of these criteria are applicable of the research participant's donor is undergoing leukapheresis Research participant is scheduled for an alloSCT Research participant has >= 1% chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) modified T cells in the peripheral blood Pulmonary criteria: not requiring supplemental oxygen or mechanical ventilation, oxygen saturation 90% or higher on room air Cardiovascular criteria: not requiring pressor support, no symptomatic cardiac arrhythmias, no acute coronary syndrome, or uncontrolled hypertension Renal function criteria: preservation of renal function, serum creatinine did NOT increase by more than 2 fold above the normal reference range Liver function criteria: total bilirubin =< 2.0 mg/dL Note: in the event a participant has elevated levels of liver enzymes possibly related to underlying disease/disease progression, the participant will still be considered eligible Liver function criteria: AST and ALT =< 2.5 times the institutional upper limits of normal Neurological: research participant without clinically significant encephalopathy/new focal deficits Infectious diseases criteria: no clinical evidence of uncontrolled active infectious process Exclusion Criteria: Research participants with any uncontrolled illness including ongoing or active infection, symptomatic congestive heart failure, unstable angina pectoris, cardiac arrhythmia, poorly controlled pulmonary disease or psychiatric illness/social situations that would limit compliance with study requirements Research participants with known active hepatitis B or C infection; research participants who are human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive based on testing performed within 4 weeks of enrollment; research participants with any signs or symptoms of active infection, positive blood cultures or radiological evidence of infections Research participants receiving any other investigational agents, or concurrent biological, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy Note: Please note that the above criterion is not applicable at the time of enrollment if the research participant's donor is undergoing leukapheresis Research participants with presence of other active malignancy; however, research participants with history of prior malignancy treated with curative intent and in complete remission are eligible Pregnant and lactating women Failure of research participant to understand the basic elements of the protocol and/or the risks/benefits of participating in this phase I study History or presence of clinically relevant CNS pathology such as uncontrolled seizure disorder, recent stroke, severe brain injuries, dementia, cerebellar disease or psychosis Any known contraindications to cyclophosphamide, fludarabine, etoposide, cetuximab or tocilizumab Dependence on corticosteroids Defined as doses of corticosteroids of greater than 5 mg/day of prednisone or equivalent doses of other corticosteroids Note: topical and inhaled corticosteroids in standard doses and physiologic replacement for subjects with adrenal insufficiency are allowed Please note that this criterion is not applicable at the time of enrollment if the research participant's donor is undergoing leukapheresis Active autoimmune disease requiring systemic immunosuppressive therapy Subjects, who in the opinion of the investigator, may not be able to comply with the safety monitoring requirements of the study