Methods of T Cell Depletion Trial (MoTD)
This study, called MoTD, is looking at different ways to prevent a common and serious complication called 'graft-versus-host disease' (GvHD) after stem cell transplants for blood cancers like various leukemias and lymphomas. Patients are receiving stem cells from an unrelated donor. The study compares a standard treatment using Thymoglobulin with two newer approaches that include Cyclophosphamide after the transplant, combined with either Cyclosporine or Sirolimus. Researchers want to see which method helps patients recover best, avoiding GvHD and cancer relapse. This is a Phase II study, meaning it's testing these treatments in a larger group of people to see how safe and effective they are, ultimately aiming to find better ways to care for patients after these important transplants.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This research study, named MoTD, focuses on improving care for people undergoing stem cell transplants for various blood cancers, such as leukaemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. When you receive a stem cell transplant from another person, there's a risk that the new immune cells might see your body as 'foreign' and attack it. This serious condition is called 'graft-versus-host disease' or GvHD.
Currently, one way to prevent GvHD is by using a medicine called Thymoglobulin, which helps reduce the number of certain immune cells. This study wants to see if two different treatment plans, which use a medicine called Cyclophosphamide after the transplant along with either Cyclosporine or Sirolimus, are better at preventing GvHD and helping people recover without their cancer coming back. By comparing these different approaches, the doctors hope to find the safest and most effective way to help patients after their stem cell transplant, leading to better long-term health.
This is a 'Phase II' study, which means it builds on earlier research and is now testing these treatment combinations in a larger group of people. The ultimate goal is to find the best way to prevent GvHD and improve the overall well-being and survival for patients who need a stem cell transplant from an unrelated donor.
Key takeaways
- Researchers are comparing three ways to prevent GvHD after stem cell transplants.
- The study aims to improve recovery for people with certain blood cancers.
- Patients will be randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups.
- It involves regular check-ups and monitoring of your health.
- Participation is for adults aged 16 to 70 with specific blood cancers.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for adults aged between 16 and 70 who have certain blood cancers like specific types of leukaemia, lymphoma, or myeloma, and are planning to have a stem cell transplant from an unrelated donor. It's important that a suitable donor has been found for you, meaning their cells are a good match for yours. You also need to be planning to receive stem cells collected from the blood.
There are specific rules about the types of chemotherapy you will receive before your transplant; your doctor will know if your planned treatment fits these criteria. You cannot join if you have certain other serious health issues, such as severe heart or kidney problems, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Also, if you are currently taking part in certain other specific trials (like COSI or ALL-RIC), you won't be able to join this one.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you between 16 and 70 years old?
- Do you have a specific type of blood cancer (like AML, ALL, CMML, MDS, NHL, HL, MM, CLL, CML, or Myelofibrosis)?
- Are you planning to receive a stem cell transplant from an unrelated donor?
- Has a suitable unrelated donor been found for you?
- Are you able to use effective contraception if you are able to have children?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part in this study, you will be randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups by chance, like flipping a coin. This means neither you nor your doctor can choose which group you are in. Each group will receive a different set of medicines aimed at preventing GvHD after your stem cell transplant. For example, some might get Thymoglobulin, while others get Cyclophosphamide combined with Cyclosporine or Sirolimus.
Beyond your standard transplant care, the study will involve regular check-ups and tests. These will help your doctors monitor your recovery, look for any signs of GvHD, and check how well the treatment is working and if you experience any side effects. The study will track your health over time, involving follow-up visits and assessments for many months, potentially up to several years, to understand the long-term effects of each treatment approach. You'll also be asked about your quality of life.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (17)
- University Hospital of WalesVerified postcodeCardiff, United Kingdom· Recruiting
- Queen Elizabeth HospitalVerified postcodeBirmingham, United Kingdom· Recruiting
- Bristol Haematology and Oncology CentreVerified postcodeBristol, United Kingdom· Recruiting
- Addenbrookes HospitalVerified postcodeCambridge, United Kingdom· Recruiting
- Queen Elizabeth Hospital GlasgowVerified postcodeGlasgow, United Kingdom· Recruiting
- St Jame's University HospitalVerified postcodeLeeds, United Kingdom· Recruiting
- University College London HospitalVerified postcodeLondon, United Kingdom· Recruiting
- King's College HospitalVerified postcodeLondon, United Kingdom· Recruiting
- Hammersmith HospitalVerified postcodeLondon, United Kingdom· Recruiting
- Manchester Royal InfirmaryVerified postcodeManchester, United Kingdom· Recruiting
- The ChristieVerified postcodeManchester, United Kingdom· Recruiting
- Freeman HospitalVerified postcodeNewcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Common questions
What is GvHD?
GvHD stands for 'graft-versus-host disease.' It's a complication after a stem cell transplant where the donated immune cells attack your body instead of just the cancer cells.
Why is this study comparing different treatments?
Doctors want to find the best and safest way to prevent GvHD after a stem cell transplant, so you can recover better and have a higher chance of staying healthy without your cancer returning.
Will I get to choose my treatment?
No, if you join, you will be randomly assigned to one of the treatment groups, like picking a name from a hat. This helps doctors see which treatment works best without bias.
What kind of cancers is this study for?
This study is for people with various blood cancers, including certain types of leukaemia (like AML, ALL, CML), lymphoma (Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin), myeloma, and myelodysplastic syndromes.
Can I stop participating in the study if I want to?
Yes, you can choose to leave the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual hospital care.
How to find out more
MoTD Trial
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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