Identifying Biomarkers for Bone Marrow Cell Growth After Transplantation

Multi-institutional Prospective Pilot Research of Imaging and Blood Biomarker EValuation of Engraftment After ALlogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

Phase 1 Interventional University of Oklahoma · NCT03541889

This study is testing if a special imaging technique can help doctors see how well bone marrow cells are growing after a stem cell transplant in patients at high risk for graft failure.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 1
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment56 (estimated)
Ages4 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Oklahoma Academic / other
Locations4 sites (Atlanta, Georgia and 3 other locations)
Trial IDNCT03541889 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This pilot study aims to evaluate whether FLT imaging can effectively detect and differentiate between nonengraftment and delayed engraftment in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). The study will enroll up to 56 patients at high risk for graft failure, including those receiving cord blood or haplo-identical HSCT. Participants will undergo FLT imaging before and after the transplant, along with blood sample collection to assess cell growth. The trial is expected to last for 7 years and will take place across four medical centers.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include patients aged 4 to 80 years who are at high risk for graft failure and are undergoing HSCT.

Not a fit: Patients who are not undergoing HSCT or those with conditions that do not require this treatment may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved monitoring of bone marrow engraftment, potentially reducing the risk of graft failure.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is novel, similar studies have shown promise in using imaging techniques for monitoring engraftment.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

General

* Ability to undergo 18F FLT imaging without sedation
* Patients \> 4 years of age and less than 80 years of age at highest risk for graft failure: cord blood HSCT, haplo HSCT, or lack of engraftment by day 28.
* Diagnosed with a condition for which hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) is standard of care and HSCT is planned (Arm A) or occurred (Arm B)
* In morphologic remission prior to HSCT
* Patient or guardian able to give informed consent
* Investigational therapies within past 28 days or planned on protocol are pre-approved by the PI or Site PI
* Karnofsky or Lansky performance status \> 60%

Arm A

* A1 Cord blood recipients: Absence of donor specific antibodies to cord HLA
* Haplo-identical recipients: ≥ 5/10 and \< 7/8 allele mismatch donor
* A2- myeloablative Haplo-identical transplant is planned
* A3- reduced intensity Haplo-identical transplant is planned (non-myeloablative is excluded)
* A1- myeloablative or reduced intensity transplant is planned (non-myeloablative is excluded)
* Diagnosed with a condition for which hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) is standard of care and HSCT is planned
* Total bilirubin \< 2.5 mg/dL (unless documented Gilbert's syndrome) and transaminases (ALT and AST) \< 5 x the upper limit of normal
* Creatinine clearance or GFR \> 60 ml/min/1.73 m2. (performed pre-HSCT)
* FEV1 \> 80% pre or post-bronchiolator whichever is higher and DLCO Adj \> 70% (performed pre-HSCT if age appropriate) and Sa02 \> 94% on room air
* Ejection fraction \> 50% (performed pre-HSCT)

Arm B

• Non-engraftment recipients of HCT with any donor source (related or unrelated): primary graft failure as defined by ANC not \> 500 for 3 consecutive days and at least 20 days after HSCT.

Inclusion Criteria - Donors

* 1-2 cords and \>.4/6 match to recipient for each (as per current National Marrow Donor guidelines), with a dose \>2 x 10e6 CD34 cells/kg for each cord OR \> 5/10 and \<7/8 allele mismatch related donor
* Institutional guidelines met for donor suitability

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of psychiatric disorder which may compromise compliance with transplant protocol, or which does not allow for appropriate informed consent
* Clinically significant systemic illness with manifestations of significant organ dysfunction which, in the judgment of the PI, or Co-I, would render the patient unlikely to tolerate the protocol therapy or complete the study
* Presence of active malignancy from an organ system other than hematopoietic
* Pregnant or lactating females
* Patients who are unable or unwilling to use effective form (s) of contraception during the course of the study
* Prior history of fluorothymidine allergy or intolerance
* Decline enrolment on CIBMTR research protocol

Where this trial is running

Atlanta, Georgia and 3 other locations

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 Primary Graft Failure
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.