Stem Cell Transplant for Job Syndrome
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores the effectiveness and safety of stem cell transplants for individuals with DOCK8 deficiency, a genetic disorder that weakens the immune system, leading to severe infections or certain cancers. The study compares stem cell transplants from various donors, such as matched siblings or parents. It is ideal for those with confirmed DOCK8 deficiency who have experienced life-threatening infections or virus-related cancers and have a suitable stem cell donor. Participants will undergo chemotherapy, including drugs like Busulfan, Cyclophosphamide, and Fludarabine, and possibly Total Body Irradiation before receiving the transplant. They will then be monitored for several months to assess success and side effects. As a Phase 2 trial, this research focuses on measuring the treatment's effectiveness in an initial, smaller group of people.
Do I need to stop my current medications for the trial?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. However, since the trial involves chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant, it's important to discuss your current medications with the trial team to ensure there are no interactions.
Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?
A previous study showed that a reduced-intensity hematopoietic stem cell transplant (a type of bone marrow transplant) is linked to strong survival rates, with lower immediate risks of death. Recipients of this transplant often live longer and experience fewer early complications. However, risks associated with stem cell transplants remain.
Regarding chemotherapy drugs, studies indicate that busulfan and cyclophosphamide are generally well-tolerated, though they can cause side effects. Busulfan has been linked to a 67% survival rate over five years at certain exposure levels, but excessive exposure can lead to complications. Cyclophosphamide may help reduce the risk of graft-versus-host disease, where donor cells attack the recipient's body.
Total Body Irradiation (a type of radiation therapy) has shown low rates of serious side effects over nearly 20 years, though some individuals might develop cataracts or other issues over time.
These treatments have been used for other conditions, and their past use provides insight into their safety. However, as with any medical treatment, risks exist, and discussing these with a doctor is important.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial's treatments?
Researchers are excited about the stem cell transplant approach for Job Syndrome because it uses a combination of treatments like Busulfan, Cyclophosphamide, Fludarabine, and Total Body Irradiation (TBI) to prepare the body for reduced-intensity hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Unlike traditional treatments that might focus on managing symptoms, this method aims to address the underlying immune dysfunction by introducing healthy stem cells. By using donors with a 9/10 or 10/10 HLA match, this approach potentially offers a more personalized and effective treatment, improving the immune system's function in a way that current therapies might not. Researchers hope this could lead to better long-term outcomes for patients with Job Syndrome.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for DOCK8 deficiency?
Research has shown that stem cell transplants can effectively treat DOCK8 deficiency, a condition that severely weakens the immune system. This trial compares different donor matching strategies for stem cell transplants. Studies have found that replacing damaged blood and immune cells with healthy ones through hematopoietic stem cell transplants can help patients live longer and experience fewer infections. Successful transplants have used donors such as matched siblings or unrelated individuals. In this trial, chemotherapy drugs like busulfan and fludarabine prepare the body for the transplant by weakening the immune system to prevent rejection. Cyclophosphamide also lowers the risk of graft-versus-host disease, where the new cells might attack the patient's body. Overall, stem cell transplants offer hope for fixing immune system problems caused by DOCK8 deficiency.12678
Who Is on the Research Team?
Corina E Gonzalez, M.D.
Principal Investigator
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for individuals aged 4-35 with confirmed DOCK8 deficiency, who've had life-threatening infections or viral-related cancers and have a suitable stem cell donor. Donors must be healthy, matched to the recipient, and aged 2-60. Participants need functioning hearts (with specific ejection fraction criteria), adequate kidney function, normal liver tests, and must not be pregnant or breastfeeding.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Pre-transplant Conditioning
Recipients receive chemotherapy and radiation to suppress the immune system and prepare for the transplant
Transplant
Donor hematopoietic stem cells are infused
Post-transplant Immunosuppression
Recipients receive immunosuppressive therapy to prevent graft-versus-host disease
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Busulfan (Busulfex)
- Cyclophosphamide
- Fludarabine
- Reduced-intensity hematopoietic stem cell
- Total Body Irradiation (TBI)
Busulfan (Busulfex) is already approved in United States, European Union, Canada, Japan for the following indications:
- Chronic myelogenous leukemia
- Bone marrow transplantation conditioning
- Chronic myeloid leukemia
- Bone marrow transplantation conditioning
- Chronic myelogenous leukemia
- Bone marrow transplantation conditioning
- Chronic myeloid leukemia
- Bone marrow transplantation conditioning
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Lead Sponsor