Bone Marrow Aspiration for Kidney Transplant Rejection
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial aims to understand how the immune system in bone marrow and lymph nodes reacts in individuals donating or receiving a kidney transplant. By analyzing these immune cells through bone marrow aspirations (a procedure to collect and examine bone marrow), researchers hope to improve transplant management and reduce rejection risk. Suitable candidates include those who have had or are about to have a kidney transplant, as well as kidney donors. Participants must be able to give informed consent and should not be on certain blood-thinning medications or have low blood cell counts. As an unphased study, this trial offers a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research that could enhance transplant success rates.
Do I need to stop my current medications to join the trial?
The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but you cannot participate if you are on certain blood thinners like heparin or coumadin.
What prior data suggests that bone marrow aspirations are safe for kidney transplant patients?
Research has shown that bone marrow aspiration is generally safe for patients. This procedure often diagnoses blood disorders. Rare complications, such as bleeding, can occur, especially in individuals with blood conditions. Performing the procedure at the back of the hip bone helps reduce pain and other risks.
Overall, patients generally tolerate bone marrow aspiration well. However, those with certain health issues should discuss potential risks with their doctors.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Bone marrow aspiration is unique because it offers a novel approach to addressing kidney transplant rejection by potentially modulating the immune system. Unlike traditional treatments that often involve immunosuppressive drugs to prevent rejection, which can have significant side effects, bone marrow aspiration targets the body's own regenerative and immune-modulating capabilities. Researchers are excited about this because it might reduce the need for long-term medication, lower the risk of infection, and improve overall transplant success rates by promoting tolerance of the new kidney.
What evidence suggests that bone marrow aspirations are effective for assessing immune profiles in kidney transplant patients?
Research has shown that bone marrow aspiration primarily diagnoses diseases related to blood and bone marrow. This procedure involves taking a sample of the soft tissue inside bones to study the cells. In this trial, researchers use bone marrow aspiration to examine immune cells in patients who have had a kidney transplant or are undergoing one, including kidney donors. The aim is to understand how the body's immune system might reject or accept a new kidney. Early results suggest that examining these immune cells helps doctors better understand transplant rejection. This knowledge could improve the management of transplant rejection in the future.16789
Who Is on the Research Team?
Mark Stegall, MD
Principal Investigator
Mayo Clinic
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for kidney transplant recipients with antibodies against their donors (sensitized) and the living donors themselves. Participants must consent to study procedures not part of normal care. Excluded are those with low neutrophil or platelet counts, recent investigational drug use, current systemic anticoagulation therapy, certain cancer histories within 5 years, or serious medical/psychiatric conditions.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Bone Marrow Aspiration
Paired bone marrow aspirations are performed to assess the variability of Allo-ELISPOT and Allo-Specificities assays
Lymph Node Retrieval
Lymph node retrieval is performed for abstraction of immune cells for additional analysis
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after procedures
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Bone Marrow Aspirations
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Mark Stegall
Lead Sponsor
Mayo Clinic
Lead Sponsor
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Collaborator