NCT03587272 · Robert Nickel
Minimizing Toxicity in HLA-identical Sibling Donor Transplantation for Children With Sickle Cell Disease
(SUN)
What this study is about
This multisite forward-looking study seeks to determine if HLA-identical sibling donor transplantation using alemtuzumab, low dose total-body irradiation, and sirolimus (Sickle transplant Using a Nonmyeloablative approach, "SUN") can decrease the toxicity of transplant while achieving a high cure rate for children with sickle cell disease (SCD).
View original scientific description
This multisite prospective study seeks to determine if HLA-identical sibling donor transplantation using alemtuzumab, low dose total-body irradiation, and sirolimus (Sickle transplant Using a Nonmyeloablative approach, "SUN") can decrease the toxicity of transplant while achieving a high cure rate for children with sickle cell disease (SCD).
Interventions
DRUG
Alemtuzumab, low dose total body irradiation, Sirolimus
The conditioning regimen (SUN regimen) will consist of alemtuzumab daily for 5 days (total dose 1 mg/kg) and low dose total body irradiation (TBI) 300 cGY on Day -2 with gonadal shielding if possible. The HSCT graft will be G-CSF mobilized PBSCs with minimum CD34+ of 5 x106/kg recipient weight, goal of 10 x 106/kg (no upper limit). A peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) graft was selected as it engrafts faster than bone marrow and would lead to shorter period of neutropenia and infection and less thrombocytopenia and need for platelet transfusion. GVHD prophylaxis will be sirolimus with a loading dose 3 mg/m2 on day -1. Sirolimus will be continued at 1 mg/m2/day starting on day 0 and dose adjusted to maintain a target trough level 5-15 ng/mL for the first 3 months and 5-10 ng/mL for the remainder of the first year.
Primary outcome measures
Acute GVHD
Time frame: 100 days post transplant
Acute grade II-IV GVHD
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
- Patients with genotypes hemoglobin SS and Sβ0 thalassemia must have at least one of the following:
- History of an abnormal transcranial Doppler measurement defined as TCD velocity ≥200 cm/sec by the non-imaging technique (or ≥185 cm/sec by the imaging technique) measured at a minimum of two separate occasions.
- History of cerebral infarction on brain MRI (overt stroke, or silent stroke if ≥3 mm in one dimension, visible in two planes on fluid-attenuated inversion recovery T2-weighted images).
- History of two or more episodes of acute chest syndrome (ACS) in lifetime.
- History of three or more SCD pain events requiring treatment with an opiate or IV pain medication (inpatient or outpatient) in lifetime.
- History of any hospitalization for SCD pain or ACS while receiving hydroxyurea treatment.
- History of two or more episodes of priapism (erection lasting ≥4 hours or requiring emergent medical care).
- Administration of regular RBC transfusions (≥8 transfusion
Where
- Washington D.C., District of Columbia
- Chicago, Illinois
- New York, New York
- Charlotte, North Carolina
- Columbus, Ohio
Collaborators
The Hospital for Sick Children, Levine Children's Hospital, Ann & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbia University, Children's Hospital at Montefiore, Alberta Children's Hospital
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 Mar 10, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations