CompletedPhase 3

Interferon-alfa With or Without Chemotherapy and Peripheral Stem Cell Transplantation in Treating Patients With Newly Diagnosed Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia

United States, United Kingdom744 participantsStarted 1997-11-20

Plain-language summary

RATIONALE: Interferon alfa may interfere with the growth of cancer cells. Drugs used in chemotherapy use different ways to stop cancer cells from dividing so they stop growing or die. Combining interferon alfa with high-dose chemotherapy and peripheral stem cell transplantation may allow the doctor to give higher doses of chemotherapy drugs and kill more cancer cells. PURPOSE: Randomized phase III trial to compare the effectiveness of interferon alfa with or without peripheral stem cell transplantation in treating patients who have newly diagnosed chronic myelogenous leukemia in chronic phase.

Who can participate

Age range

15 Years – 65 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Newly diagnosed chronic myelogenous leukemia in chronic phase Philadelphia chromosome and/or BCR/ABL positive Initial diagnosis within 6 months of randomization No clinical or laboratory evidence of acceleration or blastic disease No contraindication to peripheral blood cell stem cell collection prior to treatment PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 15 to 65 Performance status: Not specified Life expectancy: Not specified Hematopoietic: Not specified Hepatic: Not specified Renal: Not specified Other: No major organ impairment Not pregnant Fertile patients must use effective contraception PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: No prior interferon alfa Chemotherapy: Prior hydroxyurea allowed Endocrine therapy: Not specified Radiotherapy: Not specified Surgery: Not specified

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

Trial details

NCT IDNCT00002868

SponsorEastern Cooperative Oncology Group

Sponsor typeNETWORK

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2004-03

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