CompletedEarly Phase 1

Raltegravir for HAM/TSP

United States19 participantsStarted 2013-09-05

Plain-language summary

Background: \- Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) is an infection of the spinal cord. The infection is caused by a virus that has been known to cause cancers like leukemia and lymphoma. It causes a weakening of the legs. Researchers want to see if raltegravir, a drug for treating human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), can be used to treat HAM/TSP. They will see if the drug can reduce the amount of virus in the blood of people with HAM/TSP. Objectives: \- To see if raltegravir can reduce the viral load of people with HAM/TSP. Eligibility: \- Individuals at least 18 years of age who have HAM/TSP. Design: * Participants will be screened with a physical exam and medical history. Blood samples will be collected. Imaging studies will be performed. A lumbar puncture will also be taken. * Participants will take the study drug twice a day for 6 months. They will note each dose in a study diary, as well as any side effects. * At the 6-month visit, participants will stop taking the study drug. They will have a physical exam and blood samples, as well as other tests. * Participants will have two further exams 9 months and 15 months after starting the study drug. They will have a physical exam and blood samples, as well as other tests.

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: * 18 years or older * Diagnosis of HAM/TSP as defined by WHO criteria, including a positive HTLV-1 EIA and confirmatory Western Blot. * Patient must be willing and able to comply with all the aspects of trial design and follow-up. * Patients must be able to provide informed consent * If able to become pregnant or to father a child, agreeing to commit to the use of a reliable/accepted method of birth control (i.e. hormonal contraception (birth control pills, injected hormones, vaginal ring), intrauterine device, barrier methods with spermicide (diaphragm with spermicide, condom with spermicide) or surgical sterilization (hysterectomy, tubal ligation, or vasectomy) for the duration of treatment arm of the study EXCLUSION CRITERIA: * Alternative diagnoses that can explain neurological disability * Clinically significant medical disorders that, in the judgment of the investigators might expose the patient to undue risk of harm confound study outcomes or prevent the patient from completing the study. Examples of such conditions include but are not limited to poorly controlled cardiopulmonary conditions such as congestive heart failure, asthma or uncontrolled hypertension. * Patient has received immunomodulatory/immunosuppressive therapy (including steroids) in the preceding 6 months. * Patient with known myopathy or risk factors for CK elevation including being on other drugs known to cause myopathy or rhabdomyolysis. * Pregnant or lactating women. * Patien…

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

HTLV-1 Proviral load, which will be measured by quantitative PCR

Timeframe: month 6 compared to pretreatment value

Trial details

NCT IDNCT01867320

SponsorNational Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)

Sponsor typeNIH

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2018-09-25

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More HTLV-I Infection trials