Clinical Trial of Upfront Haploidentical or Unrelated Donor BMT to Restore Normal Hematopoiesis in Aplastic Anemia

DRUG

Haploidentical donor bone marrow transplant

Drugs: 1. Antithymocyte Globulin (ATG) dose will be 0.5 mg/kg IV on Day -9 over 6 hours and 2 mg/kg IV on Days -8 and -7 over 4 hours. 2. Fludarabine dose will be 30 mg/m\^2 IV daily for 5 days from Day -6 to Day -2. 3. Cyclophosphamide dose will be 14.5 mg/kg IV daily for 2 days (Day -6 to Day -5) prior to transplantation and 50 mg/kg IV daily for 2 days (Day +3 to Day +4) after transplantation. 4. Tacrolimus should be started on Day +5 and administered to maintain a level of 10-15 ng/mL. 5. Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) dose will be 15 mg/kg PO three times a day (TID) up to 1 gm TID (or IV equivalent) starting on Day +5 through Day +35. 6. G-CSF will be given IV or SQ starting on Day +5 at 5 mcg/kg/day until ANC is \> 1500 for 3 days. Radiation: 1\. Total Body Irradiation (TBI): will be given as a single dose of 400 cGy on Day -1. Procedure: 1\. HSCT: Eligible patients will receive a haploidentical donor bone marrow transplant.

DRUG

Unrelated donor bone marrow transplant

Drugs: 1. Antithymocyte Globulin (ATG) dose will be 0.5 mg/kg IV on Day -9 over 6 hours and 2 mg/kg IV on Days -8 and -7 over 4 hours. 2. Fludarabine dose will be 30 mg/m\^2 IV daily for 5 days from Day -6 to Day -2. 3. Cyclophosphamide dose will be 14.5 mg/kg IV daily for 2 days (Day -6 to Day -5) prior to transplantation and 50 mg/kg IV daily for 2 days (Day +3 to Day +4) after transplantation. 4. Tacrolimus should be started on Day +5 and administered to maintain a level of 10-15 ng/mL. 5. Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) dose will be 15 mg/kg PO three times a day (TID) up to 1 gm TID (or IV equivalent) starting on Day +5 through Day +35. 6. G-CSF will be given IV or SQ starting on Day +5 at 5 mcg/kg/day until ANC is \> 1500 for 3 days. Radiation: 1\. Total Body Irradiation (TBI): will be given as a single dose of 400 cGy on Day -1. Procedure: 1\. HSCT: Eligible patients will receive an unrelated donor bone marrow transplant.

Graft versus host disease (GVHD)-free failure-free survival (GFFS) at One year

Time frame: 1 year after initiation of conditioning

The primary endpoint is GFFS at 1 year after initiation of conditioning. Events for GFFS include Grade III-IV aGVHD, cGVHD requiring immunosuppression, primary or secondary graft failure requiring second definitive therapy, failure to receive an HSCT infusion, and death. GFFS is defined as the time interval from start of conditioning until the first of these events occurs. For failure to receive an HSCT infusion, the date will be at the time the decision not to proceed to HSCT is made.

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.