Defibrotide Prophylaxis + Stem Cell Transplant for Sickle Cell Disease

(NYMC-571 Trial)

Recruiting at 3 trial locations

Overseen By Erin Morris, RN

Age: < 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Phase 2

Sponsor: New York Medical College

Must not be taking: Anticoagulants, Fibrinolytics

Disqualifiers: Pregnancy, Uncontrolled infection, Liver cirrhosis, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Prior Safety Data This treatment has passed at least one previous human trial

Approved in 2 Jurisdictions This treatment is already approved in other countries

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 1

40 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores how well Defibrotide (also known as Defitelio, Dasovas, Noravid, or Prociclide) prevents sinusoidal obstructive syndrome (SOS) in individuals with high-risk sickle cell disease or beta thalassemia undergoing a specific type of stem cell transplant. The researchers aim to determine if Defibrotide can make these transplants safer by reducing the risk of SOS, a potential complication. Suitable candidates for this trial have sickle cell disease or beta thalassemia with complications such as frequent painful episodes, strokes, or severe lung issues. As a Phase 2 trial, this research focuses on measuring the treatment's effectiveness in an initial, smaller group, offering participants a chance to contribute to important medical advancements.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but you cannot participate if you are taking systemic anticoagulants or fibrinolytic therapies.

Is there any evidence suggesting that Defibrotide prophylaxis is likely to be safe for humans?

Research has shown that defibrotide is safe and generally well-tolerated in individuals with high-risk sickle cell disease or beta thalassemia. Studies also indicate that defibrotide effectively treats sinusoidal obstructive syndrome (SOS), a liver condition that can occur after stem cell transplants. Early data suggest it is well-tolerated when used to prevent complications in patients undergoing high-dose chemotherapy and stem cell transplants. Participants in these studies did not report major safety concerns, suggesting that defibrotide is likely safe for these conditions. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why do researchers think this study treatment might be promising for sickle cell disease?

Researchers are excited about defibrotide for treating sickle cell disease because it offers a novel approach to preventing sinusoidal obstructive syndrome (SOS) during stem cell transplantation. Unlike typical treatments that focus on managing symptoms or complications after they occur, defibrotide is used as a prophylactic, meaning it's given beforehand to prevent SOS from developing. This proactive strategy could significantly improve outcomes for patients undergoing myeloablative immunotherapy conditioning and familial haploidentical stem cell transplantation. By using defibrotide, researchers hope to reduce the risk and rate of SOS, which is a serious complication, potentially leading to better overall success rates for these high-risk procedures.

What evidence suggests that Defibrotide prophylaxis might be an effective treatment for sickle cell disease?

In this trial, patients with sickle cell disease undergoing stem cell transplants will receive defibrotide as prophylaxis. Research has shown that defibrotide protects the lining of blood vessels, which is crucial for these patients. Studies have found that defibrotide can prevent a serious liver condition called sinusoidal obstructive syndrome (SOS) in high-risk patients. In previous studies, no patients who received defibrotide developed fatal SOS, supporting its use as a preventive treatment. Early data suggest that defibrotide is well-tolerated and may reduce the risk of SOS in patients with sickle cell disease or beta thalassemia undergoing transplants. Overall, defibrotide shows promise in protecting patients from complications related to stem cell transplants. ^{2 3 4 6 7}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Mitchell S Cairo, MD

Principal Investigator

New York Medical College

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for high-risk sickle cell or beta thalassemia patients who have had severe complications like acute chest syndrome, stroke, or organ damage. It's open to those with specific genetic forms of the disease and certain health indicators like elevated NT-proBNP levels. Adults up to age 34.99 can join if they meet additional criteria such as a history of frequent blood transfusions or leg ulcers.

Inclusion Criteria

I have a specific type of blood disorder related to hemoglobin.

I have complications from Sickle Cell Disease.

Exclusion Criteria

I cannot take defibrotide due to health reasons.

Demonstrated lack of compliance with medical care

SCD Patients with documented uncontrolled infection at the time of study entry

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Prophylactic Treatment

Defibrotide prophylaxis is administered starting 10 days before stem cell infusion and continues through Day +21

31 days

Daily visits (in-patient)

Stem Cell Transplantation

Familial haploidentical allogeneic stem cell transplantation with CD34 enrichment and T-cell addback

1 day

1 visit (in-patient)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment, including monitoring for the development of SOS

1 year

Regular visits as needed

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Defibrotide

Trial Overview The study tests Defibrotide prophylaxis in patients undergoing haploidentical allogeneic stem cell transplantation (a type of bone marrow transplant). The goal is to prevent sinusoidal obstructive syndrome (SOS), a serious complication that can occur after transplants in these patients.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Defibrotide prophylaxis Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

defibrotide will be given prior to and during myeloablative immunotherapy conditioning (MAIC) followed by familial haploidentical (FHI) allogeneic stem cell transplantation (AlloSCT) with CD34 enrichment and t-cell addback in patients with high-risk sickle cell disease or beta thalassemia to reduced the risk and rate of the development of sinusoidal obstructive syndrome (SOS).

Defibrotide is already approved in United States, European Union for the following indications:

Approved in United States as Defitelio for:

• Hepatic veno-occlusive disease (VOD), also known as sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS), with renal or pulmonary dysfunction following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT)

Approved in European Union as Defitelio for:

• Severe hepatic veno-occlusive disease (VOD), also known as sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS), with renal or pulmonary dysfunction following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT)

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

New York Medical College

Lead Sponsor

Trials

73

Recruited

8,700+

Baylor College of Medicine

Collaborator

Trials

1,044

Recruited

6,031,000+

Johns Hopkins University

Collaborator

Trials

2,366

Recruited

15,160,000+

Children's Hospital Los Angeles

Collaborator

Trials

257

Recruited

5,075,000+

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Collaborator

Trials

1,128

Recruited

382,000+

Medical College of Wisconsin

Collaborator

Trials

645

Recruited

1,180,000+

Tufts Medical Center

Collaborator

Trials

264

Recruited

264,000+

University of California, Los Angeles

Collaborator

Trials

1,594

Recruited

10,430,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

Defibrotide has been approved in the EU for treating severe hepatic veno-occlusive disease (VOD) in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), showing a significantly higher complete response rate and lower mortality at day +100 compared to historical controls.

The treatment was generally well tolerated, with no increased risk of hemorrhagic adverse events, making it a safe option for patients with severe hepatic VOD.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Defibrotide: a review of its use in severe hepatic veno-occlusive disease following haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Keating, GM.[2021]

Defibrotide is effective in treating severe sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS) after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), showing improved overall survival rates, especially in pediatric patients, with 62% survival at day +100 for severe cases.

The study suggests that using defibrotide for SOS prophylaxis can significantly enhance the prognosis for high-risk patients, with an 89% survival rate at day +100 for those receiving prophylactic treatment.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Defibrotide in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: A multicenter survey study of the Spanish Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Group (GETH). González Vicent, M., Díaz de Heredia, C., González de Pablo, J., et al.[2021]

Defibrotide significantly improves the survival rate at day +100 post-hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for patients with hepatic veno-occlusive disease/sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (VOD/SOS), with a pooled survival rate of 58% based on a meta-analysis of 16 studies involving 3,002 participants.

While defibrotide shows promise in enhancing treatment outcomes, the analysis indicates a high incidence of adverse events, particularly hemorrhage and hypotension, and highlights the need for more rigorous randomized control trials to confirm these findings.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Efficacy and Safety of Defibrotide for the Treatment of Hepatic Veno-Occlusive Disease after Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Yang, L., Qi, J., Pan, T., et al.[2020]

In a study involving 13 high-risk adult patients with sickle cell disease, a chemotherapy-free stem cell transplantation regimen resulted in successful engraftment in all patients, with 92% maintaining stable mixed donor/recipient chimerism after a median follow-up of 22 months.

The treatment showed no mortality or graft-versus-host disease, and patients experienced significant improvements in hemoglobin levels and quality of life, including aspects like bodily pain and vitality, highlighting the efficacy and safety of this approach.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Nonmyeloablative Stem Cell Transplantation with Alemtuzumab/Low-Dose Irradiation to Cure and Improve the Quality of Life of Adults with Sickle Cell Disease. Saraf, SL., Oh, AL., Patel, PR., et al.[2017]

In a study of 23 patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, defibrotide was effective in treating sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS/VOD), with 14 patients showing a positive response to the therapy.

Patients treated with defibrotide experienced significant improvements in symptoms and biochemical markers, including a decrease in bilirubin levels and weight, and a 70% survival rate at 100 days post-transplant, indicating its potential as a key treatment option for SOS/VOD.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Defibrotide for the treatment of sinusoidal obstruction syndrome: evaluation of response to therapy and patient outcomes. Coutsouvelis, J., Avery, S., Dooley, M., et al.[2021]

Defibrotide has shown effectiveness in managing sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (VOD/SOS) in patients undergoing stem cell transplantation, with a recommended safe dose of 25 mg/kg/day for at least 14 days or until a complete response is achieved.

Despite its efficacy, defibrotide faces barriers to routine use due to high costs and lack of licensing in many countries, highlighting the need for further studies to optimize dosing and treatment duration, especially in both pediatric and adult populations.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Defibrotide for the management of sinusoidal obstruction syndrome in patients who undergo haemopoietic stem cell transplantation. Coutsouvelis, J., Avery, S., Dooley, M., et al.[2017]

In a study of 52 patients undergoing stem cell transplantation, the use of defibrotide as a prophylactic treatment significantly reduced the incidence of veno-occlusive disease (VOD) compared to historical controls, with none of the patients in the defibrotide group developing VOD.

Defibrotide treatment also led to lower maximum bilirubin levels and improved event-free survival at day 100, indicating its potential efficacy and safety as a preventive measure against VOD in patients with hematologic malignancies.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Prevention of veno-occlusive disease with defibrotide after allogeneic stem cell transplantation. Chalandon, Y., Roosnek, E., Mermillod, B., et al.[2013]

Fludarabine, while used to reduce toxicity in bone marrow transplantation, can actually damage human endothelial and epithelial cells and provoke a proinflammatory response, which may complicate transplantation outcomes.

Defibrotide has been identified as a protective agent against the harmful effects of fludarabine, potentially allowing for safer pretransplant conditioning without compromising its antileukemic properties.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Fludarabine induces apoptosis, activation, and allogenicity in human endothelial and epithelial cells: protective effect of defibrotide. Eissner, G., Multhoff, G., Gerbitz, A., et al.[2021]

A reduced-toxicity conditioning regimen (BFA) before HLA-matched sibling donor transplantation in children with sickle cell disease resulted in a 100% event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) over two years, indicating high efficacy.

The study, involving 18 pediatric patients, showed a low incidence of grade II-IV acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) at 17%, along with stable or improved organ function, highlighting the safety of the BFA regimen.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Reduced toxicity, myeloablative conditioning with BU, fludarabine, alemtuzumab and SCT from sibling donors in children with sickle cell disease. Bhatia, M., Jin, Z., Baker, C., et al.[2021]

In a study of 20 adult patients with sickle cell disease who underwent stem cell transplantation, a conditioning regimen combining fludarabine, busulfan, anti-T-cell lymphocyte globulin, and low-dose total body irradiation resulted in successful donor cell engraftment without any cases of graft rejection or severe graft-versus-host disease (GVHD).

The treatment showed promising outcomes with no non-relapse mortality and a low incidence of major complications, suggesting that this transplantation approach could be a safe and effective option for adults with sickle cell disease.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Allogenic peripheral stem cell transplantation from HLA-matched related donors for adult sickle cell disease: remarkable outcomes from a single-center trial. Ozdogu, H., Boga, C., Yeral, M., et al.[2019]

In a study of 44 pediatric patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, the use of defibrotide (DFT) prophylaxis was associated with a statistically significant delay in the engraftment of neutrophils and white blood cells.

The findings suggest that while DFT is a promising therapy for veno-occlusive disease, its prophylactic use may negatively impact the speed of neutrophil engraftment in these patients.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Does defibrotide induce a delay to polymorphonuclear neutrophil engraftment after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation? Observation in a pediatric population. Maximova, N., Pizzol, A., Giurici, N., et al.[2018]

Fludarabine, while effective as an immunosuppressant in stem cell transplantation, can cause damage to human microvascular endothelial cells, but the compound Defibrotide (DF) protects against this damage without reducing fludarabine's effectiveness against leukemia.

A new derivative of Defibrotide, called Oligotide, also protects endothelial cells from fludarabine-induced damage and prevents harmful immune cell migration, suggesting both DF and Oligotide could be beneficial in pre-transplant conditioning regimens.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Oligotide, a defibrotide derivative, protects human microvascular endothelial cells against fludarabine-induced activation, damage and allogenicity. Eissner, G., Iacobelli, M., Blüml, S., et al.[2013]

Citations

1. ashpublications.org ashpublications.org/blood/article/142/Supplement%201/2520/503632/A-Phase-II-Study-to-Evaluate-the-Safety-and

A Phase II Study to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of ... Several pre-clinical studies indicate that defibrotide primarily protects the endothelium and appears to reduce endothelial cell injury. Sickle ...

2. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT02675959

Study Details | NCT02675959 | Myeloablative Conditioning ... This is a follow-up trial to NYMC 526 (NCT01461837) to assess the safety, efficacy and toxicity of administering Defibrotide prophylaxis for high-risk ...

3. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9421979/

Interest of the preventive and curative use of defibrotide on the ... The absence of fatal SOS supports the use of early curative DF with acceptable toxicities and questions the optimal duration of DF treatment.

4. tandem.confex.com tandem.confex.com/tandem/2023/meetingapp.cgi/Paper/21807

Determining the Safety and Efficacy of Prophylactic ... Conclusion: The preliminary data suggests defibrotide is well tolerated in CAYA patients with high-risk SCD or beta thalassemia major following MAC and FHI ...

5. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03805581

Study Details | NCT03805581 | Defibrotide in Sickle Cell ... Individual Patients: Allows a single patient, with a serious disease or condition who cannot participate in a clinical trial, access to a drug or biological ...

6. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S000649712309122X

A Phase II Study to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of ... Our data suggests that defibrotide is safe and well tolerated in SCD patients with ACS. sICAM-1, Ang2, IL-6, and PLA2G2A may serve as important biomarkers in ...

7. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12485348/

Evaluating the safety profile of defibrotide in sickle cell ... These findings indicate that defibrotide use is safe for treating sinusoidal obstructive syndrome in SCD patients and emphasize its potential in improving ...