Improving GVHD prevention after donor stem cell transplant

A Phase II Randomized Trial to Optimize GVHD Prophylaxis After Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation in Older Adults With Hematological Malignancies: the PROMISE Trial

Phase 2 Interventional University of Nebraska · NCT06799195

This study will test whether a lower dose versus the standard dose of post-transplant cyclophosphamide, given with sirolimus and MMF, improves quality of life for people aged 60 and older having a reduced-intensity allogeneic stem cell transplant.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment126 (estimated)
Ages60 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Nebraska Academic / other
Drugs / interventionscyclophosphamide, fludarabine
Locations1 site (Omaha, Nebraska)
Trial IDNCT06799195 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This single-center, randomized Phase 2 study will enroll 126 participants aged 60 and older with hematologic malignancies undergoing reduced-intensity allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation. Participants are randomized to receive either the standard high dose or an attenuated dose of post-transplant cyclophosphamide in addition to sirolimus and mycophenolate mofetil for GVHD prophylaxis. The trial will follow patients for health-related quality of life using FACT-BMT and a battery of functional measures (KPS, ADLs/IADLs, frailty measures, cognitive clock test, BMI, falls, GDS-15) as well as monitoring for acute and chronic GVHD, relapse, survival, and treatment toxicities using CTCAE v5.0. The primary focus is on post-transplant HRQoL and functional outcomes in an older transplant population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 60 or older with a hematologic malignancy who are planned for a reduced-intensity allogeneic transplant with an HLA-matched donor and have a Karnofsky Performance Status of 70% or higher.

Not a fit: Patients younger than 60, those planned for myeloablative conditioning or who have had a prior allogeneic transplant, or those without an HLA-matched donor are unlikely to benefit from or be eligible for this protocol.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could reduce treatment-related toxicity and improve post-transplant quality of life and functional independence for older transplant recipients.

How similar studies have performed: Post-transplant cyclophosphamide is an established GVHD prevention strategy, but using an attenuated post-transplant dose specifically to improve quality of life in older adults is a relatively novel approach with limited direct evidence.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria:

* Adults aged 60 years or older
* Diagnosis of a hematological malignancy or other serious hematological disorder that requires an allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation
* Planned to receive any reduced-intensity conditioning regimen (any graft source is acceptable) and availability of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-matched donor at HLA loci A, B, C, and HLA-DR beta chain antigen (DRB1)
* Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) of 70% or higher.

Exclusion criteria:

* Previous history of one or more prior allogeneic stem cell transplants (i.e., second or third allogeneic transplant)
* Planned use of high doses of cyclophosphamide (e.g., a total cyclophosphamide dose of approximately 50 mg/kg or more) as part of the conditioning regimen prior to allogeneic stem cell transplant. A lower dose of cyclophosphamide (e.g., fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and low-dose total body irradiation regimen that uses 2 doses of cyclophosphamide at 14.5 mg/kg) is acceptable.
* Known diagnosis of liver cirrhosis or other advanced liver disease that may impact cyclophosphamide metabolism.
* Diagnosis of myelofibrosis
* Creatinine clearance less than 40 mL/min/1.73 m², which may increase the risk of hemorrhagic cystitis with post-transplant cyclophosphamide (PTCy)
* Systolic cardiac dysfunction with an ejection fraction of less than 45%.
* Use of a haploidentical or mismatched donor.
* Any other condition judged by the physician to increase the risk of toxicities associated with PTCy.

Where this trial is running

Omaha, Nebraska

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 Hematological MalignanciesGraft-versus-Host DiseaseAllogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell TransplantationGVHD ProphylaxisSirolimusMycophenolate MofetilHealth-Related Quality of LifeRandomized Controlled Trial
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.