Using Decidua Stroma Cells to treat steroid-resistant acute graft-versus-host disease

A Multicenter, Open-label, Randomized, Phase I/II Clinical Trial Comparing Safety and Durable Overall Response Day 56 in Patients With Steroid Resistent Acute GvHD After Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Treated With DSC or BAT

Phase 2 Interventional Uppsala University Hospital · NCT04118556

This study is testing if Decidua Stroma Cells can help adults with steroid-resistant acute graft-versus-host disease feel better compared to the best current treatments.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUppsala University Hospital Academic / other
Locations6 sites (Copenhagen and 5 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04118556 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This phase II clinical trial investigates the efficacy and safety of Decidua Stroma Cells (DSC) compared to the Best Available Therapy (BAT) in adult patients with steroid-resistant acute graft-versus-host disease (aGvHD) grades II-IV following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either DSC or BAT, with the primary objective being to assess the durable overall response at 56 days post-randomization. The study aims to enroll 50 patients, with a focus on determining the optimal dosing of DSC based on previous findings. The trial is designed to provide insights into a potentially novel treatment approach for aGvHD.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with steroid-resistant acute graft-versus-host disease grades II-IV after allo-HSCT.

Not a fit: Patients with active uncontrolled infections, significant respiratory disease, or those who have received systemic treatment for aGvHD apart from steroids may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could offer a new therapeutic option for patients suffering from steroid-resistant acute graft-versus-host disease.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of Decidua Stroma Cells is a novel approach, similar studies have shown promise in treating graft-versus-host disease with alternative therapies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Adult patients (age ≥ 18 years) with steroid refractory acute GvHD grades II-IV after allo-HSCT.
2. Signed written study informed consent once SR-aGvHD is confirmed.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Presence of an active uncontrolled infection including significant bacterial, fungal, viral or parasitic infection requiring treatment.
2. Has received systemic treatment for aGvHD apart from steroids.
3. Clinical presentation resembling de novo chronic GvHD or GvHD overlap syndrome.
4. Pregnant or lactating women.
5. Significant respiratory disease.
6. Presence of severely impaired renal function
7. Any corticosteroid therapy for indications other than aGvHD
8. Previous participation in a study of any investigational treatment agent within 30 days
9. Known human immunodeficiency virus infection (HIV).
10. Patients suffering on active tuberculosis or viral hepatitis
11. Significant respiratory disease
12. Presence of severely impaired renal or liver function
13. History of progressive multifocal leuko-encephalopathy
14. Patients with coagulopathy
15. History of severe chronic history of heart disease
16. Any condition that would, in the Investigator's judgment, interfere with full participation in the study.

Where this trial is running

Copenhagen and 5 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 GVHD, AcuteDSCBATGVHDHSCT
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.