Upfront Autologous HSCT Versus Immunosuppression in Early Diffuse Cutaneous Systemic Sclerosis (NCT04464434) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedPhase 4
Upfront Autologous HSCT Versus Immunosuppression in Early Diffuse Cutaneous Systemic Sclerosis
Italy, Netherlands, United Kingdom60 participantsStarted 2020-09-17
Plain-language summary
HSCT has been implemented in (inter)national treatment guidelines for diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (dcSSc) and is offered in clinical care and reimbursed by national health insurance in several European countries. However, data and specific guidelines on the best timing of HSCT in the course of dcSSc are lacking. In particular, it is unclear whether HSCT should be positioned as upfront therapy or as rescue treatment for patients not responding to conventional immunosuppressive therapy.
This multicentre, randomized, open label trial aims to compare two treatment strategies used in usual care: upfront autologous HSCT versus usual care with (intravenous (i.v.) cyclophosphamide (CYC) pulse therapy followed by mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and HSCT as rescue option).
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 65 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
. Age between 18 and 65 years.
. Fulfilling the 2013 ACR-EULAR classification criteria for SSc
. hypertension (two successive BP readings of either systolic ≥ 160 mm Hg or diastolic \> 110 mm Hg, at least 12 hours apart), ; non-scleroderma related causes (e.g. medication, infection etc.) must be reasonably excluded.
.2. Disease duration ≤ 1 year (from onset of first non-Raynaud's symptoms) and diffuse cutaneous disease with mRSS ≥ 10 and
. High risk ANA for organ based disease: ATA or ARA positivity and/ or
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.
. Pregnancy or unwillingness to use adequate contraception during study
. Concomitant severe disease =
. respiratory: resting mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) \> 25 mmHg (by right heart catheterisation), DLCO \< 40% predicted, respiratory failure as defined by the primary endpoint
. renal: creatinine clearance \< 40 ml/min (measured or estimated)
. cardiac: clinical evidence of refractory congestive heart failure; LVEF \< 45% by cardiac echo or cardiac MR; chronic atrial fibrillation necessitating oral anticoagulation; uncontrolled ventricular arrhythmia; pericardial effusion with hemodynamic consequences
. liver failure as defined by a sustained 3-fold increase in serum transaminase or bilirubin, or a Child-Pugh score C
. psychiatric disorders including active drug or alcohol abuse