View clinical trials related to Leukemia.
Filter by:The purpose of the study was to determine: (1) the toxicity and maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of humanized anti-Tac (daclizumab), (Zenapax(Registered Trademark)) in patients with adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL); (2) to define the dose of Zenapax(Registered Trademark) required to saturate interleukin 2 receptor alpha (IL-2R) alpha in patients with ATL; (3) determine the clinical response to humanized (Hu) anti-Tac (Zenapax(Registered Trademark) of patients with Tac-expressing adult T-cell leukemia; and (4) determine the serum dieaway curve (pharmacokinetics) of infused humanized (Hu)-anti-Tac in patients who have ATL. This study represented an extension of Metabolism Branch National Cancer Institute (NCI) protocols utilizing modifications of the original murine anti-Tac monoclonal antibody (mAb) developed by our group for the treatment of ATL. The scientific basis for these therapeutic studies is that the leukemic cells of patients with ATL express abnormally high levels of the Tac antigen (IL-2R alpha) on their surface whereas resting normal cells including normal T-cells of the patients do not. One presumed mode of action of Hu-anti-Tac in the treatment of ATL involves the interruption of the interaction of interleukin 2 (IL-2) with its growth factor receptor. To be effective in this goal we must maintain saturation of the IL-2 receptors (IL-2R) with humanized anti-Tac thereby preventing IL-2 mediated proliferation and yielding cytokine deprivation and apoptotic cell death of the leukemic cells. Eligible patients with ATL were treated with escalating doses of Zenapax(Registered Trademark) between groups in the Clinical Center of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Groups of patients received sufficient Zenapax(Registered Trademark) to yield saturation of the IL-2 receptor for a period of 17 weeks. Clinical response was evaluated using routine immunological and clinical evaluation and by monitoring the saturation of the IL-2R and the absolute number of residual circulating malignant cells by fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis using two fluorochrome-labeled non-crossreacting antibodies to the IL-2 receptor, anti-Tac and 7G7/B6, as well as antibodies to cluster of differentiation 3 (CD3), cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4), cluster of differentiation 7 (CD7), and cluster of differentiation 8 (CD8). Furthermore, responses were evaluated in patients with leukemia by Southern blot analysis of the arrangement of the T-cell receptor genes and human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-I) integration. Finally, in select patients, to define the pharmacokinetics of the therapeutic antibody, had planned to monitor the serum levels of the infused Hu-anti-Tac (Zenapax(Registered Trademark)) as a function of time. This study is an essential element of our program involving IL-2R-directed therapeutic studies. If as anticipated the therapy with humanized anti-Tac yields some partial and complete remissions in patients with ATL, we will propose that it be used as a single agent for patients with smoldering and chronic ATL and in association with chemotherapeutic agents to provide a novel approach for the treatment of acute and lymphoma forms of ATL. We also plan a future clinical trial where tentative plans also had been made to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity in ATL patients of saturating doses of Zenapax(Registered Trademark) as compared to identical doses of Zenapax(Registered Trademark) given in association with (90)Y-armed 7G7/B6, a non-competing antibody to IL-2R alpha or in combination with chemotherapy.
Cancers of the blood, sometimes referred to as hematologic malignancies, are disorders of bone marrow cells that lead to the failure of the normal function of bone marrow and the uncontrolled growth of cancerous cells in the bone marrow. These cancerous cells can spill over into the bloodstream and affect other organs causing widespread symptoms. The disease is life threatening because it blocks the normal function of the marrow, which is to produce red cells (preventing anemia), white cells (preventing infection), and platelets (preventing progression). Bone marrow transplants are a potential form of therapy for patients with hematologic malignancies. However, BMT is a complicated procedure and can be associated with dangerous side effects. In this study researchers are attempting to find ways to reduce the complications of BMT, so that it would be possible to use it more safely and can be offered more patients. In order to do this, researchers are developing new techniques to make BMT safer. It requires making small changes to the standard procedure, which may improve the outcome. The experimental procedures researchers are evaluating are: 1. <TAB>T-cell depleted peripheral blood progenitor cell (PBPC) transplantation 2. <TAB> Cyclosporine given immediately after the transplant 3. <TAB>Add-back of donor lymphocytes Patients undergoing these experimental techniques must be monitored closely to see if any benefit or harmful effects will occur. Information gathered from this study can be used to develop further research studies and potential new therapies for hematologic malignancies.
Allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT) is primarily limited by graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). In murine models, we have demonstrated that donor CD4+ T cells of Th1 cytokine phenotype (defined by their secretion of IL-2 and IFN-gamma) mediate GVHD. In contrast, donor CD4+ T cells of Th2 phenotype (defined by their secretion of IL-4, IL-5, and IL-10) do not generate GVHD, and abrogate Th-1-mediated GVHD. Importantly, we have demonstrated that enrichment of murine allografts with Th2 cells reduces GVHD without impairing the ability of donor T cells to prevent graft rejection. These studies indicate that the administration of Th2 cells after allogeneic transplantation represents a strategy for achieving alloengraftment with reduced GVHD. In addition to GVHD, allogeneic PBSCT has been limited by the toxicity associated with conventional myeloablative preparative regimens. Such regimens, which typically utilize total body irradiation (TBI) and high-dose chemotherapy, were once considered essential for the prevention of graft rejection. However, recent clinical studies have shown that non-myeloablative doses of fludarabine-based chemotherapy can result in alloengraftment. In murine models, we have demonstrated that severe host T cell depletion induced by combination fludarabine and cytoxan can prevent even fully-MHC mismatched marrow graft rejection. Although non-myeloablative regimens may reduce regimen-related toxicity, such transplants have been associated with a 30 to 40% incidence of severe acute GVHD that is similar to rates observed with myeloablative regimens. Because non-myeloablative regimens appear to be associated with reduced regimen-related toxicity, we have elected to conduct this phase I study of Th2 cells in the setting of an immunoablative (non-myeloablative) preparative regimen. Patients with leukemia in clinical remission, and patients with refractory lymphoid malignancy will be candidates for this HLA-matched allogeneic PBSCT protocol. Patients will receive novel induction regimen (fludarabine and EPOCH) and transplant preparative regimen (fludarabine and cytoxan) designed to maximally deplete host immune T cells capable of mediating graft rejection. After induction and preparative regimen chemotherapy, patients will receive an unmanipulated, G-CSF mobilized PBSC graft. In the initial six patients receiving this transplant procedure at the NCI, graft rejection has been successfully prevented (100% donor chimerism by day 30 post-transplant). Importantly, GVHD has been observed in all six patients, with three of the six patients developing severe GVHD (grade III). Given that this regimen successfully achieves donor engraftment, and is associated with significant GVHD, this transplant regimen represents an excellent clinical setting for the evaluation of Th2 cells. Using this non-myeloablative allogeneic PBSCT approach, we will perform a Phase I study to evaluate the safety and feasibility of administering donor Th2 cells on day 1 post-transplant. Prior to transplantation, donor CD4+ T cells will be stimulated in vitro using culture conditions that support the generation of donor CD4 cells of the Th2 cytokine profile. If this Phase I study demonstrates that Th2 cell administration is safe and feasible, a Phase III study will be performed to evaluate whether Th2 cell administration reduces the incidence and severity of GVHD. Successful implementation of this Th2 strategy will greatly reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with allogeneic PBSCT, and may also represent an approach to stem cell transplantation in patients lacking an HLA-matched donor.
The pharmacokinetic behavior of vincristine in pediatric patients has not been well characterized. The present study will obtain detailed information on vincristine pharmacokinetics in patients being treated for standard risk ALL on CCG protocols 1952/1962. A limited sampling strategy will be developed, and the interpatient and intrapatient variability of vincristine pharmacokinetics in children will be studied. A correlation between vincristine neurotoxicity and vincristine pharmacokinetics will be sought.
This protocol is designed to evaluate children with cancer who appear to be probable candidates for future protocol entry or have disease manifestations that are of unique scientific importance or educational value.
Diseases such as leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma fall into the category of blood cancers. Some of these conditions can now be cured by bone marrow transplantation (BMT). The ability of BMT to cure these conditions has been credited to the use of high doses of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and the antileukemia effect of the transplant. Because the effectiveness of BMT relies on the use of high doses of chemotherapy and total body irradiation (TBI), it is a therapy associated with toxic side effects. These side effects are often deadly and have limited BMT for use in patients under the age of 55. In this study researchers plan to treat older patients between the ages of 55 to 75 years with blood cell transplants taken from donors who are genetically matched relatives of the patient. In order to decrease the toxic side effects associated with the transplant, researchers will not use chemoradiotherapy. Instead they plan to use intensive immunosuppressive therapy and allow the transplanted cells to take effect.
Bone marrow transplants (BMT) are one of the accepted therapies used to treat leukemia. However, BMT have risks of complications. One potentially life-threatening complication is known as graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). The GVHD is a reaction caused by an incompatibility between donor cells and recipient cells. Antigens found on the recipient s cells are recognized by the donor s transplanted white blood cell lymphocytes. These lymphocytes begin attacking the recipient s cells and tissues and may lead to death. One of the most effective ways to prevent this reaction is to remove the lymphocytes from the transplanted marrow. Unfortunately, without lymphocytes the recipient s immune system will be lowered and may result in a relapse of leukemia or an infection. Researchers have shown they can perform effective BMT by removing the lymphocytes prior to the transplant and then later adding the lymphocytes back. This technique can reduce the potential for GVHD and preserve the graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) effect of the transplant. In this study researchers plan to use peripheral blood with lymphocytes removed rather than bone marrow. In order to increase the number of progenitor cells, the cells responsible for correcting the leukemia, donors will receive doses of G-CSF prior to the transplant. G-CSF (granulocyte colony stimulating factor) is a growth factor that increases the production of progenitor cells in the donor s blood stream. The study will be broken into two parts. The first part of the study will attempt to determine if peripheral blood with lymphocytes removed can prevent GVHD while preserving the GVL effect of the transplant. In the second part of the study, patients that received the transplant will have the lymphocytes added-back on two separate occasions in order reduce the chances of relapse and infection. The study is designed to treat up to 55 patients ages 10 to 60 years and follow their progress for 5 years.
Background: - Combined therapy with rituximab and fludarabine is the treatment of choice for advanced stage chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL). - A new technology called deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) microarray can be used to gain knowledge about the genetic basis of CLL/SLL. - Genetic studies of CLL/SLL may improve our understanding of what happens in the disease, help determine which patients are most likely to respond to treatment with fludarabine and rituximab, and identify new treatments. Objectives: -To gain further knowledge about CLL/SLL and the role of rituximab and fludarabine in treating the disease. Eligibility: -Patients 18 years of age and older with low, intermediate or high-risk CLL/SLL. Design: - Patients with low-risk CLL/SLL do not receive treatment, but are followed every 3 to 6 months and donate cells (through apheresis) or lymph nodes, or both, for research purposes. - Patients with intermediate or high-risk CLL/SLL receive standard treatment with rituximab and fludarabine for six 28-day treatment cycles. Rituximab is given on day 1 and fludarabine is given on days 1-5. (For the first cycle only, fludarabine treatment starts on day 2. This delay permits blood sampling on day 1 for the effect of rituximab on white blood cells.) - Laboratory tests and imaging studies are done periodically to monitor drug side effects and the response to treatment. Tests include bone marrow biopsy and aspiration, blood tests and x-rays, including positron emission tomography (PET) and computed tomography (CT) scans.
This study began as an efficacy study of interferon alpha-2a in patients with hairy cell leukemia. It was observed that most patients responded with interferon, but that very few complete responses were being obtained. Studies being done elsewhere confirmed the low complete remission rate. Once interferon was stopped, nearly uniformly disease progression requiring reinstitution of therapy was observed. There appear to be very few if any patients who will not require further therapy after receiving 12 or 18 months of continuous interferon treatment. Because of these findings, and in order to evaluate the safety and efficacy of long-term recombinant interferon-alpha (IFN-Alpha) in patients with hairy cell leukemia, we opted to administer interferon continuously to patients who were initially responsive to this drug. Of the 53 evaluable patients (of the 56 entered on this study), there was one complete remission, 41 partial remissions, 1 minor response, 9 patients with stable disease and only 1 patient with disease progression. Fourteen patients continue to receive interferon without interruption with a median duration of continuous interferon treatment of 9.2 years. Thirty-four patients discontinued interferon for a variety of reasons, the most common being the development of acquired interferon resistance in association with interferon antibodies. The resistance to interferon was manifested early, in the first 18 months of treatment, except in two cases. An important finding in this study is the continued slow, but significant, hematologic improvement in absolute granulocyte and platelet counts beyond 18 months of therapy, thereby indicating that prolonged treatment results in continued benefit rather than the production of antibodies with subsequent development of interferon resistance. Although it is clear from this study that hairy cell leukemia can be controlled in the long-term with interferon, longer follow-up will be necessary to determine if continuous therapy with interferon is better than intermittent therapy. The optimal therapy for hairy cell leukemia remains open to discussion. Although early reports suggested that 2-chlorodeoxyadenosine was curative, additional studies with longer periods of follow up suggests that as many as 30% of patients will relapse. This study provides the only instance where continuous long term treatment with interferon has been evaluated. This provides an opportunity to evaluate the long term toxicity of chronic interferon therapy, the long term efficacy of this treatment and to evaluate the potential benefits of long term interferon in preventing second malignancies, a complication noted in about 15% of patients treated in other fashions. After their initial clinical evaluation, patients were given 3 million units of recombinant IFN-Alpha subcutaneously daily for 4 to 6 months. In responding patients, maintenance therapy was given at a dose of three million units subcutaneously 3 times per week. Responding patients have continued on therapy indefinitely.
This protocol presents the rationale, 25-year historical review, and methods for multidisciplinary, low-risk studies of individuals referred to the NCI Viral Epidemiology Branch (VEB). Referrals are generally for unusual types of cancer or related conditions, known, or suspected to be related to viruses. Kaposi's sarcoma in two homosexual men evaluated in 1981 is a classic example. These referral cases provide the basis for pilot studies that generate hypotheses, the development of protocols for formal investigations of promising leads, and help to set priorities for VEB. A VEB investigator who is a Staff Member at the NIH Clinical Center, interviews each subject, performs a physical examination, draws a blood sample, and, when appropriate for the disease or virus under study, obtains other clinically indicated biological specimens, such as urine, sputum, saliva, tears, semen, Pap smear, or cervical, anal, oral, or nasal swabs. On occasion, other relatively non-invasive studies may be indicated. Skin testing with conventional, licensed antigens for assessment of cellular immunity may be performed, and skin lesions may be biopsied or excised. Tumor or other tissue biopsies may be obtained when biopsy or surgery is clinically indicated for other reasons. Otherwise no surgery is performed, and no therapy is administered. Clinical referral to other components of NCI, NIH, or the private sector are made as needed. The biological specimens are frozen or otherwise preserved to be batch tested in current assays or future assays that will be developed. Such laboratory testing is performed either at VEB's own support laboratory, or collaboratively in other NCI, NIH, or extramural laboratories that have the needed expertise for the disease or virus under study. Occasionally, repeated or more long-term evaluation is required. More often, a single evaluation in the NIH outpatient clinic, or either at a collaborating physician's office or other suitable site in the field, is sufficient. The VEB investigator provides counseling relevant to the virus or disease under study, and about the interim study results. He or she makes appropriate referral if needed (e.g., to the Genetic Epidemiology Branch for genetic counseling). Clinically relevant results and the VEB investigator's interpretation of these results, are provided in writing to the subject's primary caregiver. Confidentially of the information that is obtained is carefully protected. The results of the study are summarized for publication in the peer review literature.