Stem Cell Transplant for Autoimmune Neurological Diseases
Trial Summary
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.
What data supports the effectiveness of the drug Anti-Thymocyte Globulin (ATG) for autoimmune neurological diseases?
Rabbit anti-thymocyte globulin, when combined with cyclosporine, has shown effectiveness in treating severe aplastic anemia, with response rates of 60-70% in patients. This suggests potential effectiveness in modulating the immune system, which could be beneficial for autoimmune neurological diseases.12345
Is stem cell transplant with melphalan safe for humans?
Studies show that a new formulation of melphalan, called Evomela, used in stem cell transplants for multiple myeloma, has an acceptable safety profile. It avoids the use of propylene glycol, which can cause complications, and has shown no treatment-related deaths within 100 days post-transplant.678910
How is the stem cell transplant treatment for autoimmune neurological diseases different from other treatments?
This treatment is unique because it uses a combination of high-dose chemotherapy and stem cell transplantation to 'reset' the immune system, potentially offering long-term remission for severe autoimmune diseases where other treatments have failed. It involves a specific regimen of drugs like Anti-Thymocyte Globulin and chemotherapy agents, which is not typical in standard treatments for these conditions.1112131415
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests a combination of strong chemotherapy and an immune-suppressing medicine followed by a stem cell transplant. It targets patients with autoimmune neurological diseases that haven't improved with other treatments. The treatment aims to weaken the immune system to stop it from attacking the nervous system and then helps the body recover by making new blood cells. High-dose chemotherapy followed by a stem cell transplant has been shown to improve various autoimmune diseases.
Research Team
Leona Holmberg
Principal Investigator
Fred Hutch/University of Washington Cancer Consortium
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for patients under 70 with severe neurological autoimmune disorders like Multiple Sclerosis, Myasthenia Gravis, and others who haven't responded to at least two standard treatments. Donors must be a syngeneic sibling (like an identical twin) willing to undergo procedures for stem cell collection.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Patients receive high-dose chemotherapy with carmustine, etoposide, cytarabine, melphalan, and antithymocyte globulin followed by autologous or syngeneic stem cell transplant
Post-Transplant Recovery
Patients receive prednisone and undergo recovery post-transplant
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Anti-Thymocyte Globulin
- Carmustine
- Etoposide
- Melphalan
Anti-Thymocyte Globulin is already approved in European Union, United States for the following indications:
- Prevention and treatment of acute rejection following organ transplantation
- Severe aplastic anemia
- Prevention and treatment of acute rejection following kidney transplantation
- Severe aplastic anemia
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
Lead Sponsor
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
Lead Sponsor