Leukapheresis for HIV/AIDS
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores how leukapheresis can improve understanding of HIV. Leukapheresis collects white blood cells, aiding researchers in studying the relationship between inflammation and the persistence of the HIV virus in the body. The trial includes people living with HIV, such as those on stable treatment with undetectable viral loads, those controlling the virus without medication, and those not on treatment with high viral loads. Participants must be willing to donate blood and undergo leukapheresis. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research that could enhance understanding of HIV.
Do I need to stop my current medications to join the trial?
The trial does not specify if you need to stop your current medications. However, it mentions that participants can be on stable antiretroviral therapy, so you might be able to continue your current HIV treatment.
What prior data suggests that leukapheresis is safe for HIV-infected individuals?
Research has shown that leukapheresis, a procedure to collect a large number of white blood cells, is generally safe for both donors and patients. Studies indicate that most side effects are mild, and the procedure is well-tolerated. Common side effects might include dizziness or tingling, but these are usually temporary and manageable. Importantly, no serious side effects have been reported in individuals with very high white blood cell counts. This suggests that leukapheresis is a safe procedure for those participating in clinical trials.12345
Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about the use of leukapheresis in HIV studies because it offers a unique way to gather valuable insights into the disease's pathogenesis. Unlike traditional treatments that focus solely on suppressing the virus, leukapheresis allows scientists to collect large quantities of white blood cells, which are crucial for understanding how HIV affects the immune system. This technique provides a deeper dive into the immune response mechanisms of different patient groups, such as untreated non-controllers, HAART-suppressed patients, and elite controllers. By studying these diverse groups, researchers hope to uncover new strategies for tackling HIV and improving treatment outcomes.
What evidence suggests that leukapheresis might be an effective treatment for HIV?
Participants in this trial may undergo leukapheresis, which effectively treats certain conditions like hyperleukocytic leukemia by lowering high white blood cell counts. This procedure safely removes white blood cells from the blood, significantly reducing their numbers. Although leukapheresis does not treat HIV, it is useful for collecting large amounts of CD4+ T cells. This collection is crucial in HIV research to study how the virus persists and to develop strategies for a functional cure. In simpler terms, leukapheresis helps gather important data to better understand and potentially treat HIV.678910
Who Is on the Research Team?
Steven Deeks, MD
Principal Investigator
University of California, San Francisco
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
Inclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Leukapheresis Procedure
Participants undergo leukapheresis to obtain large numbers of CD4+ T cells for analysis
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after the leukapheresis procedure
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Leukapheresis
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of California, San Francisco
Lead Sponsor