NCT04008368 · National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Repeat Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation for Patients With Sickle Cell Disease and Falling Donor Myeloid Chimerism Levels
What this study is about
Background: Sickle cell disease can often be treated with blood stem cell transplants. But for some people the disease returns. This study will give a second transplant to people whose disease has returned but still have some donor cells in their body. Objective: To cure people s sickle cell disease by giving a second treatment that makes more room in their bone marrow for donor cells.
View original scientific description
Background: Sickle cell disease can often be treated with blood stem cell transplants. But for some people the disease returns. This study will give a second transplant to people whose disease has returned but still have some donor cells in their body. Objective: To cure people s sickle cell disease by giving a second treatment that makes more room in their bone marrow for donor cells. Eligibility: People ages 4 and older with sickle cell disease who had a transplant but the disease returned, and their donor relatives. Donors can be 2 years of age or older. Design: Participants will be screened with medical history, physical exam, and blood tests. Recipients will also be screened with heart and breathing tests, x-rays, a bone marrow sample, and teeth and eye exams. They must have a caregiver. Donors will have 7-8 visits. They will take a drug for 5-6 days to prepare them for the donation. For the donation, blood is taken from a vein in the arm or groin. The stem cells are collected. The rest of the blood is returned. This may be repeated. Recipients will get a long IV line in their arm or chest for about 1-2 months. They will take drugs to help their body accept the donor cells. They will get the donor cells and red blood cell transfusions through the line. They will stay in the hospital about 30 days after the transfusion of donor cells. In first 3 months after the infusion, recipients will have many visits. Then they will have visits every 6 months to 1 year for 5 years. During those visits they will repeat some of the screening tests....
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
- Patient with history of SCD or beta thalassemia who previously underwent allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT)
- Patient with recurrent SCD defined as HbS greater than or equal to 50% for donors with sickle cell trait and greater than or equal to 10% for donors with HbAA with recurrent clinical manifestations (for example but not limited to recurrent painful crises, acute chest syndrome, priapism, or severe anemia) or patients with recurrent beta thalassemia defined as clinical manifestations such as transfusion-dependence or evidence of extramedullary hematopoiesis. The HbS requirement may be waived by the PI or designee for reasons such as the patient is requiring chronic transfusion therapy or otherwise meets clinical criteria for return of SCD.
- Persistent donor chimerism levels
- Age greater than or equal to 4 years
- Negative beta-HCG
- Ejection fraction greater than or equal to 35%
- DLCO greater than or equal to 35% (Note: This criterion may be omitted in young children (e.g. near the age of 5 years old) or other individuals who may have difficulty understanding or complying with the instructions for accurate testing.) Inclusion- donor Related donor from original transplant, deemed suitable and eligible, and willing to donate, per clinical evaluations who are additionally willing to donate blood for research. Related donors will be evaluated in accordance with existing Standard NIH Policies and Procedures for determination of eligibility and suitability for clinical donation. Age \>= 2 years \<80 years old
Exclusion criteria
- ECOG performance status of 3 or more or if \<16 years of age Lansky score of 50 or lower.
- Evidence of uncontrolled bacterial, viral, or fungal infections (currently taking medication and progression of clinical symptoms) within one month prior to signing the consent
- Patients with fever or suspected minor infection should await resolution of symptoms before signing the consent
- Major anticipated illness or organ failure incompatible with survival from PBSC transplant
- Pregnant or breastfeeding
- History of secondary malignancies (other than localized skin cancer)
- Donor-specific HLA antibodies with mean fluorescent intensity \>= 2,000 Exclusion- donor None
Where
- Bethesda, Maryland
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 Feb 5, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations