NCT06798909 · University of California, San Francisco
Kidney Transplant Preemptive Therapy or Prophylaxis for CMV Prevention in D+R Recipients
(KPoP)
What this study is about
This is a forward-looking, randomly assigned conducted at multiple hospitals trial of preemptive therapy (PET) vs. antiviral prophylaxis (AP) for prevention of cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease in adult D+R- kidney transplant recipients (KTR).
View original scientific description
This is a prospective, randomized multicenter trial of preemptive therapy (PET) vs. antiviral prophylaxis (AP) for prevention of cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease in adult D+R- kidney transplant recipients (KTR).
Interventions
DRUG
Valganciclovir (Pre-emptive CMV Therapy)
Valganciclovir, 900 mg given orally twice daily to Preemptive Therapy group subjects as a PET only after a positive CMV PCR test and stopped after PCR is negative for 2 consecutive weeks.
DRUG
Valganciclovir CMV Prophylaxis
Valganciclovir, 900 mg given orally once daily to all Prophylaxis group subjects for 200 days post transplantation as prophylaxis.
Primary outcome measures
Incidence of endpoint committee (EC)-confirmed CMV disease (either syndrome or end-organ) by 1-year post-transplant.
Time frame: Within 1-year post-transplant
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
- Subject or legally authorized representative has provided written informed consent.
- Age ≥ 18 years of age at the time of informed consent.
- Negative for IgG antibody to CMV as assessed in a CLIA-certified laboratory between 28 days prior to transplant and up to 7 days post-transplant but prior to randomization.
- Received a kidney transplant from a CMV seropositive (IgG positive) donor in the past 7 days prior to enrollment
- Individuals of reproductive (childbearing) potential must have a negative pregnancy test (serum or urine) collected prior to randomization (SOC results within 7 days prior to transplant may be used), and must also agree to use a medically approved method of contraception. Acceptable methods include: barrier method, intrauterine device (hormonal or non-hormonal), oral hormonal contraceptives, abstinence from the time of enrollment through until discontinuation of ganciclovir or valganciclovir in either arm during the intervention period. NOTE: Individuals of reproductive potential are defined as individuals who have reached menarche and who have not been post-menopausal for at least 12 consecutive months with follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) ≥40 IU/mL or 24 consecutive months if an FSH is not available, i.e., who have had menses within the preceding 24 months, and have not undergone a sterilization procedure (e.g., hysterectomy, bilateral oophorectomy, or salpingectomy).
- If male, must agree to practice a barrier method of contraception or abstinence from the time of enrollment through 3 months after discontinuation of ganciclovir or valganciclovir in either arm during the intervention period.
Exclusion criteria
- In the opinion of the investigator, participants who are unable or unwilling to undergo preemptive therapy protocol (weekly CMV PCR, etc.)
- Patients who are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed within 6 months post-transplant
- Allergy to valganciclovir/ganciclovir or Letermovir
- Receipt of immunoglobulin or CMV-specific immunoglobulin within the last 3 months (this includes COVID convalescent plasma)
- Currently enrolled or anticipated enrollment in another interventional study that, in the opinion of scientific leadership team, could affect evaluation of the primary safety and/or efficacy outcomes.
- Most recent platelet count post-transplant \<25,000/uL
- Most recent ANC performed post-transplant \<1000/uL
- Multi-organ transplant (except simultaneous kidney-pancreas) within the past 7 days
- Prior or planned receipt of a hematopoietic cell transplant
- Baseline immunodeficiency prior to transplant, including but not limited to:
- Known or suspected HIV infection
- Congenital or acquired immunodeficiency
- Unacceptable immunosuppression
- Receipt of desensitization therapy prior to kidney transplant, or
- Receipt of an ABO-incompatible kidney transplant except A2 to blood type B
Where
- San Francisco, California
- Miami, Florida
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Omaha, Nebraska
- Livingston, New Jersey
- Durham, North Carolina
- Dallas, Texas
- Richmond, Virginia
Collaborators
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Related conditions & keywords
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 Sep 21, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations