CompletedPhase 2

Alemtuzumab (Campath) to Treat T-Large Granular Lymphocyte Leukemia

United States29 participantsStarted 2006-10-17

Plain-language summary

This study will examine the use of alemtuzumab (Campath) in patients with T cell large granular lymphocytic leukemia (T-LGL). Patients with T-LGL often have reduced white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets, and increased numbers of abnormal cells called large granular lymphocytes (LGLs). Patients may have recurrent infections, anemia, or abnormal bleeding. Campath destroys specific parts of the abnormal LGLs, which interfere with the production of normal blood cells. This study will determine whether Campath can increase blood counts and reduce the number of abnormal LGLs in patients and will examine the side effects of the drug. Patients 18 to 85 years of age with T-LGL leukemia may be eligible for this study. Participants undergo the following procedures: Before starting Campath treatment * Medical history and physical examination, blood tests, electrocardiogram (ECG). * Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound) and 24-hour Holter monitoring (continuous ECG recording). * Bone marrow biopsy: About a tablespoon of bone marrow is withdrawn through a needle inserted into the hipbone. The procedure is done using local anesthetic. * Placement of central line, if needed: An intravenous line (tube) is placed into a major vein in the chest. It can stay in the body and be used for the entire treatment period. The line is used to give chemotherapy or other medications, including antibiotics and blood transfusions, and to collect blood samples. The line is usually placed under local anesthesia in the radiology department or the operating room. * Apheresis: A catheter (plastic tube) is placed in a vein in each arm. Blood is drawn from one vein and run through a cell-separating machine, where the white blood cells are collected and saved. The remaining blood is transfused back to the patients through the vein in the other arm. During Campath treatment * Campath therapy: After a small test dose, patients receive10 daily infusions of Campath, each of which lasts about 2 hours. The first few infusions are given at the NIH Clinical Center so that the patient can be monitored closely. * Induction therapy: Aerosolized pentamadine, valacyclovir and other medicines are given to protect against or treat various infections that commonly affect patients with suppressed immune systems. * Whole blood or platelet transfusions, if needed, and injections of growth factors, if needed. * Blood tests and check of vital signs (temperature, pulse, blood pressure) every day during treatment. Echocardiogram and 24-hour Holter monitor after the last dose of Campath. Follow-up evaluations after Campath treatment ends * Blood tests at home or at NIH (weekly for the first 3 months, then every other week until 6 months, then annually for 5 years * Echocardiogram at NIH (at 3 months only) * Bone marrow biopsy at NIH (at 6 and 12 months, then as clinically indicated) * One repeat apheresis collection for laboratory studies.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 85 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.

* INCLUSION CRITERIA: Clinical history supportive of the diagnosis of T-LGL leukemia (i.e. a history of cytopenias with peripheral blood morphologic evidence of LGLs) Immunophenotypic studies of peripheral blood showing an increased population of T-LGLs (suggested by staining with CD3+, CD8+ and CD16+ or CD57+) or gammadelta T cells Restricted or clonal rearrangement of the T-cell receptor by PCR AND one or more of the following: Severe neutropenia (less than 500 neutrophils/microliter); OR Severe thrombocytopenia (less than 20,000 platelets/microliter), or moderate thrombocytopenia (less than 50,000 platelets/microliter) with active bleeding; OR Symptomatic anemia with a hemoglobin less than 9 g/dL or red blood cell transfusion requirement of greater than 2 units/month for two months prior to initiation of Campath Ages 18-85 (both inclusive) EXCLUSION CRITERIA: A reactive LGL lymphocytosis to a viral infection Serologic evidence of HIV infection Infection not adequately responding to appropriate therapy Previous immunosuppressive therapy with alemtuzumab History of carcinoma that is not considered cured (excluding non-melanoma skin carcinoma) Moribund status or concurrent hepatic, renal, cardiac, neurologic, pulmonary, infectious, or metabolic disease of such severity that it would preclude the subject's ability to tolerate protocol therapy or that death within 7-10 days is likely Current pregnancy or unwilling to take oral contraceptives or refrain from pregn…

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.

What they're measuring

Number of Participants With Hematological Response After Three Months of Alemtuzumab

Timeframe: 3 months

Trial details

NCT IDNCT00345345

SponsorNational Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)

Sponsor typeNIH

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2017-08-01

Results submitted2019-04-11

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More T-LGL Lymphoproliferative Disorders trials