Evaluating hydroxyurea treatment for children with sickle cell anemia

Therapeutic Response Evaluation and Adherence Trial (TREAT): A Prospective Study of Hydroxyurea for Children With Sickle Cell Anemia

Not applicable Interventional Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati · NCT02286154

This study tests how well hydroxyurea works for young children with sickle cell anemia and looks at how it affects their health and quality of life over time.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment150 (estimated)
Ages6 Months to 21 Years
SexAll
SponsorChildren's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati Academic / other
Locations1 site (Cincinnati, Ohio)
Trial IDNCT02286154 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This prospective study aims to evaluate the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of hydroxyurea in children with sickle cell anemia. It will develop a model to predict the maximum tolerated dose and identify urine biomarkers for adherence to treatment using metabolomics. Additionally, the study will explore pharmacogenomic factors that may influence the effectiveness of hydroxyurea and monitor its impact on organ function and quality of life over time. The study will include two groups of patients, focusing on young infants who are starting hydroxyurea therapy.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include children aged 6 months to 21 years diagnosed with sickle cell anemia who are beginning hydroxyurea therapy.

Not a fit: Patients who are not willing to comply with study treatments or sign informed consent may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved dosing strategies and adherence monitoring for hydroxyurea, enhancing treatment outcomes for children with sickle cell anemia.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown positive outcomes with hydroxyurea treatment in sickle cell anemia, but this specific approach utilizing pharmacokinetic modeling and adherence biomarkers is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Diagnosis of sickle cell anemia (HbSS or Hbβ0-thalassemia)
2. Age 6 months to 21 years at the time of enrollment
3. Clinical decision by patient, family, and healthcare provider to initiate hydroxyurea therapy, including patients who are transitioning from chronic transfusions to hydroxyurea therapy

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Family unwillingness to sign informed consent or comply with study treatments

Where this trial is running

Cincinnati, Ohio

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 Anemia, Sickle CellHydroxyureaSickle CellPharmacokineticsdynamicsgenomics
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.