CompletedPhase 2

Therapy for Chronic Cold Agglutinin Disease

Norway, Russia30 participantsStarted 2005-06

Plain-language summary

Chronic cold agglutinin disease (CAD) is a type of autoimmune hemolytic anemia (anemia due to destruction of red blood cells by abnormal antibodies). Almost all patients also suffer from cold-induced disturbances of blood circulation. The purpose of this study is to assess the efficacy and safety of combination therapy with rituximab (an antibody against B lymphocytes) and fludarabine (a cytotoxic drug) for CAD. Another aim is to try to assess whether these agents in combination are better than single agent therapy with rituximab.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 90 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

. CAD diagnosis defined by the combination of:
. The presence of a clonal B-cell lymphoproliferative disorder defined by:
. Clinical symptoms requiring treatment, such as anaemia or Raynaud-like symptoms
. Informed consent

Exclusion criteria

. An aggressive lymphoma
. Blood lymphocyte count \> 50 . 109/L
. Non-lymphatic malignant disease other than basal cell carcinoma

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

Hemoglobin level

Hemolysis

Circulatory symptoms

Serum monoclonal immunoglobulin level

Changes in bone marrow histology

Adverse effects

Trial details

NCT IDNCT00373594

SponsorUniversity of Bergen

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2010-04

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Cold Agglutinin Disease trials