NCT06265584 · University of Alabama at Birmingham
Trial of 2 Step ATG for Prevention of Acute GVHD Post Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant
What this study is about
In an effort to reduce graft versus host disease (GVHD) and enhance graft versus leukemia (GVL) effect post allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT), recent research has focused on host immune cell depletion.
View original scientific description
In an effort to reduce graft versus host disease (GVHD) and enhance graft versus leukemia (GVL) effect post allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT), recent research has focused on host immune cell depletion. Frame shifting anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) backwards to earlier days before days 0 can result in deeper host and less graft T-cell depletion, leading to better immune reconstitution. Preliminary data where 80% of the ATG dose is given on days -6,-5,-4 and 20% given on day -1, showed effective prevention of severe acute GVHD, chronic GVHD and favorable early immune reconstitution. We hypothesize that our 2 step ATG dosing platform when combined with standard tacrolimus and mini methotrexate can prevent grade III-IV acute GVHD and chronic GVHD, resulting in improvement of GVHD/relapse free survival at one year post transplant.
Interventions
DRUG
ATG dosing platform when combined with standard tacrolimus and mini methotrexate
On Day -8, you will be admitted to the hospital and receive a dose of prednisone at 1 mg/kg (ATG premedication). You will receive a steroids 3 hours before every ATG infusion. On day -7, you will receive a small dose of ATG as an intravenous (IV) infusion. ATG will be repeated on days -6, -5 and -1. Routine transplant chemotherapy agent fludarabine will be given on days -7 to -3 as daily IV infusions. Melphalan, another routine transplant chemotherapy will be given on day -4 as IV infusion. Tacrolimus (standard immune suppression agent) will start on day -3 as continuous IV infusion and switched to oral after engraftment. Methotrexate is another standard immune suppression medication which is given IV on day +1, +3, +6, and +11 post-transplant. We plan to draw blood on days -4,, -1, +3, +7, and +14 to measure ATG levels.
Primary outcome measures
Rate of GRFS (graft versus host disease GVHD, relapse free survival) at one year post transplant.
Time frame: 1 year post transplant
Rate of GRFS is defined as the time from date of first dose of fludarabine until occurrence of grade III-IV aGVHD, and or cGVHD requiring systemic immune suppression, and or disease progression or death whichever comes first.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Adult male or female, age 18-75 years
- Patients must have a related or unrelated peripheral blood stem cell donor. Sibling donor must be a 6/6 match for HLA-A and -B at intermediate (or higher) resolution, and -DRB1 at high resolution using DNA-based typing, and must be willing to donate peripheral blood stem cells and meet institutional criteria for donation. Unrelated donor must be 8/8 match at HLA-A, -B, -C and -DRB1 at high resolution using DNA-based typing. Unrelated donor must be willing to donate peripheral blood stem cells and be medically eligible to donate stem cells according to NMDP criteria.
- A candidate for reduced intensity preparative regimen, based on age≥60, or HCT-CI of ≥4, or considered by the treating physician to have high risk for toxicity with myeloablative preparative regimen.
- Cardiac function: Ejection fraction \>40%
- Measured creatinine clearance greater than 50 mL/minute (using the Cockcroft-Gault formula and actual body weight)
- Pulmonary function: DLCO ≥50% (adjusted for hemoglobin) and FEV1≥50%
- Liver function: total bilirubin \< 1.5x the upper limit of normal and ALT/AST \< 2.5x the upper normal limit. Patients who have been diagnosed with Gilbert's Disease are allowed to exceed the defined bilirubin value of up to \<3mg/dl.
- Female subjects (unless postmenopausal for at least 1 year before the screening visit, or surgically sterilized), agree to practice two effective methods of contraception or agree to complete abstain from heterosexual intercourse from the time of signing the informed consent through 12 months post-transplant.
- Male subjects (even if surgically sterilized), of partners of women of childbearing potential must agree to practice effective barrier contraception or abstain from heterosexual intercourse from the time of signing the informed consent through 12 months post-transplant.
- Karnofsky performance status KPS ≥ 70
- Patients must have a diagnosis of one of the following: A-AML with either detectable AML on pre AHSCT bone marrow (microscopic ≤5, flow or cytogenetic), or adverse cytogenetic, or molecular features (≥ 4 clonal abnormalities, or monosomal karyotype, inv(3)/t(3;3) or, EV11+, FLT3-ITD (+) without MPN1, P53 mutation positive, ASXL1+, mutant RUNX1. B- MDS with the following features: Residual blasts \> 5% blasts in the bone marrow after hypomethylating agents +/- venetoclax, MDS with high IPSS-R and monosomal karyotype, MDS with P-53 or JAK2 mutation. C-Myelofibrosis with blasts in the peripheral blood.
- The subject is willing and able to signed informed consent and abide by the protocol requirements.
Exclusion criteria
- Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant \< 3 months prior to enrollment.
- Patients with florid residual AML with \> 5% blast in the marrow or circulating blast in the peripheral blood are not eligible for this study.
- Previous allogeneic stem cell transplant.
- Uncontrolled angina, severe uncontrolled ventricular arrhythmias, or EKG suggestive of acute ischemia or active conduction system abnormalities.
- Known hypersensitivity to one or more of the study agents
- Received any investigational drugs within the 14 days prior to the first day of transplant conditioning
- Pregnant and/or breastfeeding
- Evidence of HIV infection or known HIV positive serology.
- Current uncontrolled bacterial, viral or fungal infection (currently taking medication with evidence of progression of clinical symptoms or radiologic findings).
- Patient with documented cirrhosis
- Non-hematologic malignancy within prior three (3) years, with the exception of squamous cell or basal cell skin carcinoma. Patients with prior malignancies except resected localized non-melanoma skin cancer or treated cervical carcinoma in situ. Cancer treated with curative intent ≥ 5 years previously will be allowed. Cancer treated with curative intent \< 5 years previously must be reviewed and approved by the PI
- Participation in another clinical study with an investigational product during the last 28 days.
Where
- Birmingham, Alabama
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Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Oct 8, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations