CompletedPhase 4

A Study of the Neurological Effects of Adding Maraviroc to HAART Regimen in Patients With HIV (HANDmac)

Australia19 participantsStarted 2011-10

Plain-language summary

HIV related cognitive impairment still occurs despite highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). HIV disease affects the brain in 20-40% of patients with advancing HIV disease; leading to varying degrees of cognitive impairment, recently termed HIV associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND). HAND may occur in patients who are virally suppressed in both blood and CSF. Patients with HIV Associated Neurocognitive Disorders (HAND) who are virally suppressed in both their blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), whilst on a highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) regimen may have significant cognitive improvement with HAART intensification with the medication Maraviroc; compared to those who remain on their existing regimen. This study will be a prospective, interventional, randomised and unblinded controlled clinical trial. The aim of this study will be to determine whether HAART intensification with the medication Maraviroc, leads to significant improvement in HIV associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND). Patients with the recent progression (within 6 months) of HAND (validated by neuropsychological assessment) on HAART, who are virally suppressed (\<50 copies per ml) in blood and CSF will be randomised to have their existing HAART regimen intensified with Maraviroc, or not. The control arm will remain on their medication regimen as prescribed. The target is to enrol 70 patients into the control group, and 70 patients into the Maraviroc intensification group. Patients will undergo baseline neuropsychological testing, MRI, blood tests, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) tests (via a lumbar puncture). The methods used to determine the effectiveness of adding Maraviroc, will include further neuropsychological assessment at 6 months, and neuropsychological assessment, MRI and CSF assessment again at 12 months. Neuropsychological testing completed at 6 and 12 months will be completed by a "blind assessor", in that they will have no knowledge of which arm (treatment or control) the participant is enrolled in. An evaluation (neuropsychological testing) will be performed should the patient deteriorate during the course of the study, as recognised by the patient's managing physician. At the end of the study protocol (12 months) the patient's HAART therapy will be managed by their primary physician.

Who can participate

Age range

18 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: * HIV Positive * On HAART, with plasma viral load \< 50 copies/ml for previous 12 months or more * Able to provide informed consent * HAND diagnosis, with symptom progression within previous 6 months Exclusion Criteria: * Non-HIV related neurological disorders and active central nervous system (CNS) opportunistic infection (as assessed by full blood count, electrolytes, creatinine, glucose, liver funciton tests, cryptococcal antigen, venereal disease research laboratory (VDRL), MRI brain scan and CSF analysis for cell count, protein, glucose, culture, VDRL and cryptococcal antigen) * Psychiatric disorders on the psychiatric axis * Current major depression * Current substance use disorder, or severe substance use disorder within 12 months of study entry * Active Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) (detectable HCV RNA) * History of loss of consciousness \> 1 hour * Non-proficient in English * Medications known to pharmacologically interact with antiretrovirals (ARVs) * Currently taking an entry inhibitor * Pregnancy (as assessed by the urine pregnancy test)

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

Change in Neurocognitive Functioning

Timeframe: Baseline, 6-months and 12-months

Trial details

NCT IDNCT01449006

SponsorBruce Brew

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2014-09

Results submitted2016-02-09

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