Haploidentical stem cell transplantation for adults with severe sickle cell disease

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of haploidentical stem cell transplantation (SCT) in adults suffering from severe sickle cell disease (SCD) who have not responded to other treatments or are intolerant to them. The study focuses on patients who are at high risk for complications and may require chronic transfusions. Participants will receive haploidentical SCT along with standard medical care to assess improvements in their condition and overall health outcomes.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Adult patients age ≥ 18 years
2. Confirmed haploidentical donor
3. Severe SCD phenotype who are at high risk for morbidity and mortality. Severe SCD is defined by at least one of the following:

i. Clinically significant neurologic event (stroke) or deficit lasting \> 24 hours.

ii. History of ≥2 acute chest syndromes in a 2-year period preceding enrolment despite optimum treatment, e.g. with hydroxycarbamide (HC).

iii. History of ≥3 severe pain crises per year in a 2-year period preceding enrolment despite the institution of supportive care measures (e.g. optimum treatment with HC).

iv. Administration of regular transfusion therapy (=8 packed red blood transfusions per year for 1 year to prevent vaso-occlusive complications).

v. Patients assessed as requiring transfusion but with red cell allo-antibodies/very rare blood type, rendering it difficult to continue/commence chronic transfusion.

vi. Patients requiring HC/transfusion for treatment of SCD complications who cannot tolerate either therapy due to significant adverse reactions.

vii. Established end organ damage relating to SCD, including but not limited to progressive sickle vasculopathy and hepatopathy. End-organ sufficient for entry to this trial shall be ratified at the UK NHP.

d) Patients must be fit to proceed to Haploidentical SCT as defined below: i. Karnofsky score ≥60 ii. Cardiac function: LVEF ≥45% or shortening fraction ≥25% iii. Lung Function: FEV1, FVC and TLCO ≥50% iv. Renal function: EDTA GFR ≥40 ml/min/1.73m2 v. Hepatic function: ALT \<x3 ULN and bilirubin \<x2 the upper limit of normal, those with hyperbilirubinemia due to sickle related haemolysis will not be excluded. No radiological evidence of cirrhosis.

e) Written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Fully matched sibling donor.
2. Previous bone marrow transplant.
3. Pregnancy or breast feeding.
4. Participants able to conceive a child that are unprepared to use effective contraception.
5. Clinically significant donor specific HLA antibodies.
6. HIV infection or active Hepatitis B or C.
7. Uncontrolled infection including bacterial, fungal and viral.
8. Participation in another interventional trial in the last three months.
9. Pre-existing condition deemed to significantly increase the risk of Haploidentical SCT by the local Principal Investigator.

Where it's running

• King's College Hospital
  London, United Kingdom Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Victoria Potter, BSc, MBBS, FRACP, FRCPA
• Email: victoriapotter@nhs.net
• Phone: +44 20 3299 3730

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• Virtual reality options to help with VOC pain in adults with SCD

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.