Stem Cell Transplantation to Treat Leukocyte Adhesion Deficiency

Plain-language summary

This study will investigate the safety and effectiveness of a modified stem cell transplant procedure for treating leukocyte adhesion deficiency (LAD). LAD is an inherited blood disorder of leukocytes (infection-fighting white blood cells) that leaves patients vulnerable to life-threatening infections. Transplantation of donated stem cells (cells produced by the bone marrow that mature into blood cells) can improve the immune system of patients with LAD. However, this procedure carries a significant risk of death, particularly in patients with active infection because it requires completely suppressing the immune system with high-dose chemotherapy and radiation. In addition, T-cells (a type of white blood cell) from the donor may cause what is called graft vs. host disease (GvHD), in which the donor cells recognize the patient's cells as foreign and mount an immune response to destroy them. To try to reduce these risks, the donor's T-cells will be removed from the rest of the stem cells to be transplanted. Patients with LAD who weigh at least 12 kg (26.4 LB), who do not have an active infection, and who have a family member that is a well-matched donor may be eligible for this study. Pregnant or breast feeding women may not participate. Candidates will have a medical history, physical examination and blood tests, lung and heart function tests, X-rays or computed tomography (CT) scans of the body, and dental and eye examinations. They will fill out questionnaires that measure emotional well being, quality of life and intelligence (the ability to learn and understand). Stem cells will be collected from both the patient and donor. To do this, the hormone G-CSF will be injected under the skin for several days to move stem cells from the bone marrow to the bloodstream. The stem cells will be collected by apheresis, where blood is drawn through a needle placed in one arm and pumped into a machine separating and removing the required cells. The rest of the blood is then returned through a needle in the other arm. Before the transplant, a central venous line (large plastic tube) is placed into a major vein. This tube can stay in the body and be used during the entire treatment period to deliver the donated stem cells, give medications, transfuse blood, if needed, and withdraw blood samples. Several days before the transplant procedure, patients will begin a conditioning regimen of low-dose chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide, fludarabine, and Campath 1H. When the conditioning therapy is completed, the stem cells will be infused. To help prevent rejection of donor cells, cyclosporine will be given by mouth or by vein starting 1 month after the transplant procedure. The average hospital stay for stem cell transplantation is 21 days. After discharge, patients will return for follow-up clinic visits weekly or twice weekly for 2 to 3 months. These visits will include a symptom check, physical examination, and blood tests. Subsequent visits will be scheduled at 4, 6, 9, and 12 months after the transplant, or more often if required, and then yearly

Who can participate

Trial details