Best germline DNA source to guide drug dosing after allogeneic stem cell transplant

Natural History Study to Determine Drug Metabolism Phenotype and Appropriate Germline Source DNA in Patients Undergoing Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant

Observational National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC) · NCT06856226

This project will test whether blood, skin, or other tissue samples give the most reliable genetic information to guide medicine dosing for adults who receive an allogeneic stem cell transplant.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment88 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 120 Years
SexAll
SponsorNational Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC) NIH
Locations1 site (Bethesda, Maryland)
Trial IDNCT06856226 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

After an allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant, donor-derived DNA can appear in a recipient's blood and tissues, complicating genetic testing for drug dosing. This observational study collects baseline blood and skin fibroblast DNA before transplant and follows participants for up to two years with serial samples of blood, buccal cells, skin, hair, and liver tissue when available. Whole genome sequencing (including specialized pharmacogenetic analysis with Aldy) will be used to compare tissues for chimerism and to identify the most reliable host genomic source for pharmacogenetic testing. Donor and recipient pairs enrolled at the NIH Clinical Center provide matched samples to determine how donor-derived DNA affects genotype interpretation over time.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults (age ≥18) who are enrolled on an NIH Clinical Center clinical trial to donate or receive an allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant and who can provide informed consent, with the donor enrolling alongside the recipient.

Not a fit: People under 18, patients who had a prior allogeneic HSCT, individuals not enrolled on an NIH Clinical Center trial, or donors who do not enroll with their recipient are not eligible and would not benefit from participation.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the study could identify which tissue samples give accurate pharmacogenetic results after transplant, helping clinicians pick safer and more effective medication doses for HSCT recipients.

How similar studies have performed: While pharmacogenetic gene-drug relationships are established in non-transplant populations, reliable germline sourcing in allogeneic HSCT recipients is poorly studied, making this approach relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
* INCLUSION CRITERIA:
* Age \>=18 years
* Participants must be enrolled on a clinical trial at the NIH Clinical Center (CC) under which they will donate or receive an allogeneic HSCT. The participant and their donor must enroll together to provide a complete set of samples for analysis.
* Ability of subject to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent document.

EXCLUSION CRITERIA:

* Donors are not allowed to enroll without a recipient
* Prior allogeneic HSCT
* History of psychiatric disorder which may compromise compliance with protocol requirements.
* Pregnant and lactating individuals

Where this trial is running

Bethesda, Maryland

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions LeukemiaLymphomaHematologic MalignancyAllogeneic TransplantHematopoietic Cell TransplantBone Marrow Transplantperipheral blood transplantChimerism
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.