View clinical trials related to HTLV-I Infections.
Filter by:The purpose of this study is: 1. To assess the validity and reproducibility of the MP Diagnostics HTLV Blot 2.4. 2. To conduct a sensitivity analysis of the HTLV Blot 2.4 using a known positive population.
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.
HTLV stands for human T cell leukemia virus. HTLV-1 is a virus that attacks specific kinds of white blood cells called T cells. T cells are part of the natural defense system of the body. HTLV-1 has been associated with leukemia and lymphoma. In addition, approximately 1% of all patients infected with HTLV-1 develops a condition known as HTLV-1 associated myelopathy (HAM) / tropical spastic paraparesis (TSP). Currently there is no clearly defined, effective treatment for patients with HAM/TSP. Steroids have been used as therapy but have only been able to provide temporary relief of symptoms. Human interferon is a small protein released from different kinds of cells in the body. Interferon has been known to have antiviral and immunological effects and has been used to treat hepatitis and multiple sclerosis. Interferon Beta is released from cells called fibroblasts. These cells play a role in the production of connective tissue. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the possible role of recombinant interferon beta (Avonex) in treatment of HAM/TSP. The study is broken into three phases, a pre-treatment phase, a treatment phase, and a post-treatment phase. The total duration of the study will be 44 weeks. Patients participating in this study will receive injections of Avonex 1 to 2 times a week. Throughout the study patients will regularly submit blood samples and undergo diagnostic tests such as MRI and measures of somatosensory evoked potentials.
Objective: Human T-lymphotropic virus type-I-associated myelopathy / tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) is a rare neurologic disorder that affects less than 5% of patients infected with the HTLV-I virus. The purpose of this protocol is to study the natural history of HAM/TSP by monitoring clinical progression of patients longitudinally. Additionally, we will attempt to define the virological and immunological changes of HAM/TSP. Study Population: Patients with HAM/TSP who fulfill World Health Organization diagnostic criteria are eligible to participate in this protocol. Asymptomatic seropositive individuals and individuals with indeterminate HTLV-1 serology are also eligible to participate. Design and Outcome Measures: A longitudinal assessment of clinical, virological and immunological progression in HAM/TSP will be accomplished through periodic testing and evaluation. Asymptomatic seropositive individuals, those with seroindeterminate HTLV-I serology and normal volunteers may serve as controls. Longitudinal standardized neurological examinations will be performed. Longitudinal samples of serum, plasma, and lymphocytes may be obtained from participants. Lumbar punctures may be performed on all participants. These samples will be used virological and immunological assays. A focus is on the relationships between the characteristics of viral infection, the immune response, and the genetic makeup.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the nervous system. The exact cause of MS is unknown, but it is believed to be an autoimmune condition. Autoimmune conditions are diseases that cause the body's immune system and natural defenses to attack healthy cells. In the case of MS, the immune system begins attacking myelin, the cells that make up the sheath covering nerves. Without myelin, nerves are unable to transmit signals effectively and symptoms occur. This study is directed toward a better understanding of the cause of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Researchers will evaluate patients with a tentative diagnosis of MS or other neurological diseases possibly caused by a immunological reaction. Patients will undergo a series of three MRIs, taken once a month for three months and submit blood samples for immunological studies.