Using a drug to prevent acute graft-versus-host disease in young patients after stem cell transplants

Phase I/II clinical trial of HDAC inhibition for GVHD prevention in children, adolescents, and young adults

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR · NIH-10847516

This study is looking at whether adding a medication called vorinostat can help prevent a condition called graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) in kids and young adults who are getting a special type of stem cell transplant, aiming to make the treatment safer and more effective.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR (nih funded)
Locations1 site (ANN ARBOR, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10847516 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the use of vorinostat, a histone deacetylase inhibitor, to prevent acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) in children, adolescents, and young adults undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation. The study aims to enhance the safety and effectiveness of GVHD prophylaxis by combining vorinostat with standard treatments. Participants will be monitored for safety and efficacy, with a focus on reducing the incidence of GVHD while preserving the beneficial effects of the transplant. This approach builds on previous adult studies that showed promising results in preventing GVHD.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children, adolescents, and young adults who are scheduled to undergo allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation.

Not a fit: Patients who are not undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation or those with contraindications to vorinostat may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the occurrence of acute GVHD, improving the quality of life and health outcomes for young transplant recipients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies in adults have shown that vorinostat can be safe and may help prevent GVHD, indicating potential for success in pediatric populations.

Where this research is happening

ANN ARBOR, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: disorder prevention, disease prevention

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.