Autologous T Cell Immunotherapy for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) Patients

Inclusion criteria:

Diagnosis of CLL at any time in the past, as defined by all of the following:

> 5 x 109 peripheral blood lymphocytes/L which are positive for CD5 and one or more B cell markers (CD19, CD20, CD23).

< 55% of lymphocytes identified as prolymphocytes

Intermediate or High Risk disease as defined by the Modified 3-stage system

Patients with Intermediate Risk (Rai Stages I and II) must have active disease, as determined by one or more of the following criteria:

One or more of the following disease related symptoms i. Weight loss > 10% within the previous 6 months ii. Fevers of greater than 100.5°F for > 2 weeks iii. Night sweats without evidence of infection
Massive (i.e. > 6 cm below the left costal margin) or progressive splenomegaly
Massive lymph nodes or clusters (i.e. > 10 cm in longest diameter) or progressive lymphadenopathy
Progressive lymphocytosis with an increase of >50% over a 2-month period, or an anticipated doubling time of less than 12 months
T cells (CD3+) comprising > 1.5% and < 10 % of peripheral white blood cells as assessed by flow cytometry
CD4+/CD8+ of > 0.30, as assessed by flow cytometry
Age of at least 18 years
ECOG performance status of 0 to 2
Life expectancy 6 months
Able to comprehend and provide signed informed consent
Women of childbearing potential must have a negative serum pregnancy test and agree to use a medically accepted form of contraception from the time of initial screening through completion of the study

Exclusion Criteria

Evidence of Richter's Syndrome, T cell CLL, prolymphocytic leukemia, hairy-cell leukemia, splenic lymphoma with villous lymphocytes, large granular lymphocytosis, Sezary-cell leukemia, adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma, or leukemic manifestations of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
Receipt of any chemotherapy, monoclonal antibody, investigational, or other systemic therapy for the treatment of CLL within 2 months prior to registration.
Receipt of glucocorticoids (with the exception of inhaled glucocorticoid steroids for the use of allergic rhinitis or pulmonary disease) within 2 months prior to registration
Receipt of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) within 1 month of registration
Registration for, or plans to participate in, any other clinical trial concurrently for the duration of this trial
History of malignancy other than CLL within five years of registration, except adequately treated basal or squamous cell skin cancer or in situ carcinoma of the cervix. Other exceptions must be approved by the Xcyte Therapies' Medical Monitor prior to registration.
Infection requiring treatment with antibiotics, antifungal, or antiviral agents within seven days of registration
Liver disease or hepatitis as reflected by a serum bilirubin or ALT > 2.0 times the upper limit of normal laboratory range within 15 days of registration
Compromised renal function as reflected by a serum creatinine > 2 times the upper limit of normal laboratory range within 15 days of registration
History of autoimmune disease unrelated to CLL (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosis). Autoimmune disease related to CLL, e.g. idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) or autoimmune hemolytic anemia, is permitted if treatment with steroids has not been required in the two months prior to registration. Hypothyroidism without evidence of Grave's Disease or Hashimoto's thyroiditis is permitted.
Major organ system dysfunction including (but not limited to): New York Heart Association Class III or IV (Appendix B, page 51), pulmonary disease requiring the use of inhaled steroids or bronchodilators, renal, hepatic, gastrointestinal, neurologic, or psychiatric dysfunction which would impair patient's ability to participate in the trial
Evidence of infection with HIV 1 or 2, HTLV 1 or 2
Evidence of acute or active chronic Hepatitis B or C infection
Positive human anti-mouse antibody (HAMA) test as performed at the central reference laboratory designated by the sponsor