NCT06129734 · Benjamin Tomlinson
Decitabine and Venetoclax Treatment as Maintenance Therapy in Patients Post Allograft Stem Cell Transplant
What this study is about
The goal of this interventional clinical trial is to determine if low doses of gentle chemotherapy after bone marrow transplant may prevent relapse and promote an increase in survival and decrease in side effects in participants with acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndromes.
View original scientific description
The goal of this interventional clinical trial is to determine if low doses of gentle chemotherapy after bone marrow transplant may prevent relapse and promote an increase in survival and decrease in side effects in participants with acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndromes. The main question it aims to answer is whether or not providing a new, gentler way of administering chemotherapy will help control leftover cancer with minimal side effects. This treatment involves decitabine and venetoclax. Participants will receive standard post-transplant care. Participants will be administered decitabine once per week with normal transplant follow up visits, and then will take a venetoclax pill about 6 to 8 hours later. Participants will meet their study team at the beginning, midway, and at the end of the trial to receive bone marrow testing. Participants will receive treatment until either one year of therapy, relapse, or recurrent dose limiting toxicity (DLT) despite dose reduction.
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
- Diagnosis of Acute myeloid leukemia, MDS, MDS/AML with high-risk for post-transplant relapse identified by:
- Very high or high risk by CIBMTR Disease Risk Index (DRI) and/or adverse risk by ICC 2022 criteria and/or MDS/AML by ICC 2022 criteria.
- Very high or high risk by CIBMTR DRI and/or by IPSS-M \> 0.510-12 and/or MDS/AML by ICC 2022 criteria.
- Bone marrow myeloblasts \<5% at pre-transplant bone marrow aspirate and biopsy with no circulating blasts.
- Participants must be planned for or have received alloSCT. Any conditioning regimen intensity or graft source (MRD/MUD/Haplo/UCB) is permitted.
- Participants must be 18 years of age or older.
- Total bilirubin \< 2.0 mg/dL (with the exception of participants with known Gilbert's syndrome, who should have direct bilirubin \< 2 × ULN).
- Creatinine clearance (CrCl) \> 30 ml/min.
- ECOG 0-1 performance status.
- Subjects must have the ability to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent document and complete study related procedures.
- Participants may enroll prior to or after alloSCT. Participants should enroll no later than post transplant day 40, and the the following post-AlloHSCT inclusion criteria must be met in order to initiate the maintenance study treatment:
- Successful engraftment defined by absolute neutrophil count (ANC) of ≥500/ul and platelet count of ≥50,000/uL sustained for at least three consecutive days.
- These criteria for engraftment should be met on or before Day +50.
- No active infection
- No GVHD ≥ overall grade II (Grade 1 GVHD of the skin acceptable).
- Participants must continue to meet additional inclusion criteria
- \<5% myeloblasts in a bone marrow aspirate with spicules, that is to be obtained, if all the above inclusion criteria are satisfied.
Exclusion criteria
- Prior disease progression on HMA/VEN therapy, single agent venetoclax.
- Other planned post-transplant maintenance therapy, such as FLT3-ITD targeting agents, as determined by the treating physician
- Currently pregnant or breast-feeding. Females of childbearing (FOCBP) potential must have negative serum pregnancy test within 72 hours from treatment start. (NOTE: FOCBP is any biologic female, regardless of sexual or gender orientation, having undergone tubal ligation, or remaining celibate by choice, who has not undergone a documented hysterectomy or bilateral oophorectomy or has had a menses any time in the preceding 12 months (therefore not naturally post-menopausal for \> 12 months)
- Uncontrolled comorbid illness that could limit life expectancy or ability to complete study correlates. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Active infection
- Uncontrolled concurrent malignancy
- Congestive heart failure of NYHA class III/IV. Participants with compensated heart failure are permitted.
- Unstable angina pectoris
- New or unstable cardiac arrhythmia. Stable or controlled arrhythmias are permitted
- Decompensated liver cirrhosis (Child-Pugh score ≥12 or a MELD score ≥21
- Psychiatric illness/social situations that would limit compliance with study requirements.
- Any other prior or ongoing condition, in the opinion of the investigator, that could adversely affect the safety of the participants or impair the assessment of study results.
- FOCBP and males that are unwilling to agree to use dual contraceptive measures (i.e., hormonal or barrier method of birth control; abstinence, condom) prior to study entry and for the duration of study participation. Should a female subject become pregnant or suspect she is pregnant while participating in this study, they should inform the treating physician immediately
- Sexually active male who is unwilling to use a condom when engaging in any sexual contact with a female with child-bearing potential, beginning at the screening visit and continuing until 4 weeks after taking the last dose of decitabine/venetoclax.
- Participants with known active HIV infection, as this will further increase the risk for opportunistic infections. However, participants with chronic HIV with undetectable viral load by PCR, without opportunistic infection, and on a stable regimen of antiretroviral therapy would be eligible.
- Known allergy or hypersensitivity to any component of decitabine/venetoclax
Where
- Cleveland, Ohio
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 Apr 27, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations