AzTrials
AzTrials

LeukemiaPhase 2NCT00941928

Haploidentical Natural Killer (NK) Cells With Epratuzumab for Relapsed Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)

A Phase 2 study testing Epratuzumab, Fludarabine and Cyclophosphamide in people with Leukemia and Pediatric Cancer, run by M.D. Anderson Cancer Center at 1 site in United States.

Terminated

Stopped early. The study ended before it was planned to and will not resume.

Official record
Search all trials

Trial summary

The goal of this clinical research study is to learn if transferring the donor's NK cells, in combination with an antibody called epratuzumab and low-dose interleukin (IL-2), into your body can be done safely. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Any age
Conditions the study is for
Leukemia, Pediatric Cancer
What is being tested?
Epratuzumab, Fludarabine and Cyclophosphamide
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
2 participants
Where
1 siteUnited States
Study dates
Jul 2009to May 2012
Phase
Phase 2
Are there results?
Yes, posted in the registrySummary in the doctors' view

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages Any age
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Child, Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • Recipient Inclusion criteria (within 28 days of this protocol's lymphodepleting conditioning regimen and after donor and recipient consent-signing)
  • Diagnosis of CD22+ acute lymphoblastic leukemia that is a. refractory to therapy or b. in second or greater relapse without other standard therapeutic options
  • Patient may have been the recipient of an allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant; however; there must be no evidence of Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD)
  • Off prednisone or other immunosuppressive medications for at least 3 days prior to both the lymphodepleting regimen and the NK infusion
  • Zubrod performance scale </= 2 or Lansky performance scale >/= 60
  • Adequate renal function defined as: Serum creatinine (Cr), for adults </= 2 mg/dL, for children </= 2 mg/dL or </= 2 times upper limit of normal (ULN) for age (whichever is less). If abnormal renal function, then Cr clearance >/= 60 mL/min/1.73 m^2
Show all 15Show fewer
  • Adequate liver function defined as: Total bilirubin </= 2 mg/dL and serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (SGPT)/ alanine transaminase(ALT) </= 5 * ULN for age (unless Gilbert's disease or abnormal liver function due to primary disease)
  • Pulmonary symptoms controlled by medication and pulse oximetry >/= 92% room air
  • Negative serum test to rule out pregnancy within 2 weeks prior to registration in females of childbearing potential (non childbearing is defined as greater than one year post-menopausal or surgically sterilized
  • Requirement of sexually active females and males to use any form of contraception considered effective and medically acceptable by the Investigator. [Acceptable forms: birth control implants, birth control pills, a vasectomy (male surgical sterilization), or a double-barrier method (any 2 of the following in combination: intrauterine device (IUD), male or female condom with spermicidal gel, a diaphragm, a sponge, and/or cervical cap)]
  • Negative serology for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
  • Donor must be related to recipient and is predicted to be alloreactive based upon the presence of the relevant KIR genes and incompatibility with the recipient for HLA C or Bw antigens
  • Donor must have infectious disease marker testing [Hepatitis B, C, HIV, CMV, Syphilis (RPR), Chagas, HTLV, and West Nile Virus] and CBC differential and platelet studies that meet standard medical eligibility criteria for allogeneic blood stem cell donation within 7 days of apheresis
  • Donor, if a female of childbearing potential (non-childbearing is defined as greater than one year post-menopause or surgically sterilized), must have a negative serum test to rule out pregnancy within 14 days of apheresis
  • Donor must meet standard medical eligibility criteria for allogeneic stem cell donation

Who cannot join

  • Exclusion criteria applies to both the initiation of conditioning regimen and to the NK infusion
  • Active central nervous system (CNS) leukemia
  • Active infection (defined as on antimicrobial therapy and or febrile)
  • Breast-feeding females
  • Currently using a ventilator or requiring supplemental oxygen
  • Currently undergoing dialysis
Show all 15Show fewer
  • Currently using a Phase I, II, or III investigational agent. These agents should be stopped within 21 days of NK infusion
  • New detected cardiac arrhythmia not controlled with medical management within prior 72 hour period.
  • Hypotension requiring pressor support within prior 72 hour period
  • Uncontrolled infection defined as daily fever greater than or equal to 38.2°C within prior 24 hours and new positive culture for bacteria, fungus, or virus within 72 hours prior to NK -cell infusion, if clinically indicated
  • Taking corticosteroids by mouth or intravenously within prior 72 hour period
  • Ascites requiring paracentesis within prior 72 hour period. (If the patient requires paracentesis within 72 hours of NK cell infusion, they will not be eligible to receive the infusion.)
  • Seizure activity or clinically detectable encephalopathy or new focal neurologic deficits within prior 72 hour period
  • Donor has active infection (defined as on antimicrobial therapy and/or febrile) within 7 days of apheresis
  • Donor is pregnant female or breast-feeding female (within 7 days of apheresis)

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

United States1 site
  • UT MD Anderson Cancer Center

    Houston, Texas, 77030

Other trials in United States

About this study

Official title: Adoptive Transfer of Haploidentical NK Cells in Combination With Epratuzumab for the Treatment of Relapsed Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

The goal of this clinical research study is to learn if transferring the donor's NK cells, in combination with an antibody called epratuzumab and low-dose interleukin (IL-2), into your body can be done safely. Researchers want to find out if the infused NK cells will survive after the infusion and if the NK cell infusion helps to destroy cancer cells in the recipient's body and possibly to help control the disease.

Primary Objectives:

Read more
  • Evaluate the feasibility of collecting an adequate number of natural killer (NK) cells from a donor and evaluate the safety of a haploidentical donor-derived NK cell infusion, Epratuzumab, and low-dose interleukin-2 (IL-2).

Secondary Objectives:

  • Quantification and persistence of the infused donor NK cell in vivo;
  • Quantification and persistence of cytokine levels;
  • Assessment of NK cell immunophenotype and function;
  • Correlate above with anti-tumor effect.
Read the detailed description

Study Drugs:

Epratuzumab is designed to attach to certain proteins on the surface of ALL cells. This may cause the cancer cells to die.

Cyclophosphamide is designed to interfere with the multiplication of cancer cells, which may slow or stop their growth. This may cause the cancer cells to die.

Fludarabine is designed to make cancer cells less able to repair damaged DNA (the genetic material of cells). This may increase the likelihood of the cells dying.

IL-2 is designed to help NK cells live longer and work better.

Experimental Therapy:

NK cells are the cells in the body that fight disease and infection. NK cells may destroy tumor cells, particularly when the NK cells are "mismatched" for certain proteins, called human leukocyte antigens (HLA). Researchers think that this ability to destroy tumor cells can be predicted by learning the donor's and the recipient's HLA types to see if they are a mismatch, and by checking for other specialized proteins found on the surface of the donor's NK cells. These proteins are called killer immunoglobulin receptors (KIR).

The NK cells will be collected from the donor's blood and then processed in a lab at M. D. Anderson, where researchers will use a machine, called a CliniMACS device, to separate out the NK cells from the rest of the donor's collected white blood cells and treat them overnight with a drug called IL-2. This is done to make the NK cells stronger before they are given to the recipient. You will also receive IL-2 injections under your skin to try to help the NK cells survive longer and to possibly increase the number of NK cells in your body after the infusion.

Screening Tests:

Before you can start treatment on this study, you will have "screening tests" to help the doctor decide if you are eligible to take part in this study. The following tests and procedures will be performed:

  • You will have a bone marrow biopsy and/or aspiration to check the status of the disease. To collect a bone marrow biopsy and/or aspirate, an area of the hip is numbed with an anesthetic, and a small amount of bone marrow and bone is withdrawn through a needle.
  • You will have a spinal tap to check the status of the disease. A spinal tap (also called a lumbar puncture) is when a special needle is inserted into the lower back through the space between the bones to draw a sample of the fluid that surrounds the spinal cord.
  • You will have a pulse oximetry test to measure your heart rate and the level of oxygen in the blood. To perform this test, a clothespin-shaped device will be placed on your finger for about 1 minute.
  • Your medical history will be recorded.
  • You will have a physical exam, including a measurement of your vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, and temperature).
  • Blood (about 4 tablespoons) will be drawn for routine tests. This blood will also be checked for infections such as the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). You will be told the results of this test. If you have an infection, you may not be able to take part in this study.
  • Blood (about 2 tablespoons) will be drawn to test for HLA and KIR. You and the donor will be told the results of this test.
  • Females who are able to have children must have a negative blood pregnancy test. This test will be performed with the blood drawn for routine tests as described above. If there is not enough blood leftover for this test, additional blood (about 1 teaspoon) will be drawn.

These screening tests, except for the HLA and KIR-typing, would also need to be repeated before an additional leukapheresis procedure can be done as a part of this study, in order to see if you continue to be eligible to have another one performed.

Identifying an Eligible Donor:

Your relative will be tested to see if his or her KIR has a type of "mismatch" that researchers think will help the donor's NK cells target the cancer cells in your body. They must also share half of your HLA genes to be eligible to take part in this study.

The donor's blood will also be checked for infections, such as HIV, to protect against the possibility of transmitting an infection to you during the NK cell infusion.

To help track the NK cells after infusion, researchers prefer (but do not require) that if you are a female recipient, your donor is male and if you are a male recipient, your donor is female.

Epratuzumab Administration:

If you and the donor are found to be eligible to take part in this study, on Day -4 (4 days before the NK cell infusion) and Day -1 (1 day before the NK cell infusion), you will have an epratuzumab infusion. The length of time this infusion will take will be different for each patient. This will be done using an indwelling catheter (a tube that remains in a vein, such as tunneled in the arm or through the chest to continuously inject or drain a part of your body). If you already have an indwelling catheter in place, you will not need to have a new one placed. However, if a new catheter is needed, you will be asked to sign a separate informed consent form for its placement.

On Day -1 (1 day before the NK cell infusion) and on Days 3, 6, 10, 13, and 17, you will receive an epratuzumab infusion. This will take several hours.

Conditioning Phase:

This phase will start within 28 days after the screening tests. During this phase, you will receive chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide and fludarabine to weaken your immune system in order to help the infused NK cells survive. You will stay in the hospital from Day -6 until after the NK cell infusion or longer if the doctor thinks it is necessary.

On Day -6 through Day -2, you will receive fludarabine 1 time each day by vein, over about 30 minutes each time.

On Days -5 and -4, you will receive cyclophosphamide 1 time each day by vein, over about 2 hours each time.

On Days -5 and -4, you will receive mesna 5 times per day by vein, over about 15 minutes each time. Mesna is given to protect your bladder from side effects that may be caused by cyclophosphamide.

Cyclophosphamide, fludarabine, and mesna will all be infused through the same indwelling catheter.

Infusion of NK cells:

On Day 0, you will receive the NK cells by vein, preferably through an indwelling catheter. If you do not have an indwelling catheter, you may receive the infusion intravenously (IV -- by vein). The doctor will decide the amount of NK cells to be infused, which will affect how long the infusion lasts. Usually the infusion should last less than 1 hour.

To help prevent an allergic reaction to the infused NK cells (such as fever and chills), you will receive Benadryl (diphenhydramine) by vein, over 15-30 minutes, and Tylenol (acetaminophen) by mouth. You will also receive fluids by vein to help decrease the risk of kidney damage. If the study doctor thinks it is necessary, you may also receive a steroid to help prevent side effects.

If the doctor thinks that you are not eligible to receive the NK cell infusion on Day 0, you will be taken off study without receiving the donor's NK cells. The collected NK cells will be thrown away.

This study allows eligible recipients under the age of 2 years of age to participate. You and/or a caregiver will be trained how to give the IL-2 injections to yourself. This drug will be injected under the skin for 9 doses. You will take 3 doses per week over a 3-week period after receiving the NK cells.

Measuring NK Cell Survival Through Blood Test:

On Day 0 (before the NK cell infusion and again 2 hours later), and 1 time on each of the following days: Days 2, 7, 14, 21, and 28, blood (about 4 teaspoons each time) will be drawn and tested to see how long the NK cells survive in your body.

If the disease gets worse or the infused NK cells can no longer be seen, this blood draw schedule may be stopped early.

Follow-Up Visits:

You will have follow-up visits at least 3 times per week during the first 3 weeks, and then 1 time about 28 days after your NK cell infusion. Then, you will have additional follow-up visits at about Months 2 and 3. At these visits, the following tests and procedures will be performed:

  • You will have any changes in your medical history recorded.
  • You will have a physical exam, including a measurement of your vital signs.
  • Blood (about 2 tablespoons) will be drawn for routine tests.

On Days 14 and 28, and during Months 2 and 3, you will have a bone marrow biopsy and/or aspiration.

Length of Study:

You will remain on active study for up to 3 months following your NK cell infusion that you agree to have performed.

This is an investigational study. Cyclophosphamide, fludarabine, mesna, and IL-2 are FDA approved and commercially available. Cyclophosphamide and fludarabine are approved for treating leukemia in adults. IL-2 is FDA-approved, but not for the treatment of leukemia.

Epratuzumab is not FDA approved or commercially available. It is only being used in research.

The use of the CliniMACS machine and infusing NK cells combined with epratuzumab in patients with ALL are only being done in research.

Up to 10 recipients and 10 donors will take part in this study. All will be enrolled at The University of Texas (UT) MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Being tested
Epratuzumab, Fludarabine, Cyclophosphamide, Mesna, Infusion of NK cells
Keywords
Blood And Marrow Transplantation, Relapsed Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, ALL, Leukemia, Pediatrics, Haploidentical NK cells, Cyclophosphamide, Cytoxan, Neosar, Epratuzumab, Fludarabine, Fludarabine Phosphate, Fludara, Interleukin-2, IL-2, Proleukin, Low-dose interleukin, Mesna, Mesnex, Natural Killer Cells
Medical subject headings
Leukemia, Neoplasms, Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • EpratuzumabDrug

    360 mg/m^2 once a day by vein on Day -4, Day -1 and Days 3, 6, 10, 13 and 17.

  • FludarabineDrug

    Also called Fludara, Fludarabine Phosphate

    25 mg/m^2 once a day by vein on Day -6 through Day -2 over 30 minutes.

  • CyclophosphamideDrug

    Also called Cytoxan, Neosar

    60 mg/kg once a day by vein on Days -5 and -4 over 2 hours.

  • MesnaDrug

    Also called Mesnex

    12 mg/kg by vein 5 times per day on Days -5 and -4 over 15 minutes.

  • Infusion of NK cellsProcedure or surgery

    Also called Stem Cell Transplant, Natural Killer Cells

    Transplant of Haploidentical NK cells by vein on Day 0.

  • Interleukin-2Drug

    Also called IL-2, Proleukin

    Subcutaneous injections three times a week for 9 doses on Days 0 to 21.

Study groups in NCT00941928
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Haploidentical NK cells + EpratuzumabExperimentalHaploidentical donor-derived NK cell infusion, Epratuzumab 360 mg/m^2 once a day by vein (IV) on Day -4, Day -1 and Days 3, 6, 10, 13 and 17, and low-dose interleukin-2 (IL-2) Subcutaneous injections three times a week for 9 doses on Days 0 to 21; Fludarabine 25 mg/m^2 once a day IV on Day -6 through Day -2 over 30 minutes; Cyclophosphamide 60 mg/kg once a day IV on Days -5 and -4 over 2 hours. Mesna 12 mg/kg by vein 5 times per day on Days -5 and -4 over 15 minutes.
Receives: Drug: Epratuzumab; Drug: Fludarabine; Drug: Cyclophosphamide; Drug: Mesna; Procedure: Infusion of NK cells; Drug: Interleukin-2

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Time to Progression (TTP)

    TTP calculated as average time, in months, from baseline to participants disease progression or death, monitored for a minimum of 1 year

    Measured: 1 Year

Secondary outcomes (1)
  1. Overall Survival (OS)

    Number of surviving participants without disease progression or death for any reason at one year post treatment.

    Measured: Minimum of 1 year, or until disease progression or death

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted20 Jul 2009 (estimated)
  2. Study startJul 2009
  3. Primary completionMay 2012
  4. Study completionMay 2012

Why it stopped: Slow accrual

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase 2
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Not applicable
Intervention model
Single group
Masking
None (open label)
Enrolment
2 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT00941928
Sponsor's protocol ID
2007-0160
Status last verified
May 2014
First submitted
16 Jul 2009
Last updated
22 May 2014
Data monitoring committee
No

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A Phase 2 study testing Epratuzumab, Fludarabine and Cyclophosphamide in people with Leukemia and Pediatric Cancer, run by M.D. Anderson Cancer Center at 1 site in United States.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 15 inclusion and 15 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: stopped early, as of the sponsor's last update on 22 May 2014. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in United States. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

What does this phase mean?

Phase 2 studies give the treatment to a larger group to see whether it has the intended effect and to keep checking safety.

Not every study follows the same path, and some studies (observational studies, device studies) have no phase.

Are results available for this study?

Yes. Results are posted in the registry (first posted 28 Aug 2013). A summary is in the For doctors view, and the full results are on ClinicalTrials.gov.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Time to Progression (TTP) (time frame: 1 Year). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 22 May 2014.

Free account

Log in to keep searching

You’ve used your 3 free searches. AzTrials is free: log in or create a free account to keep searching clinical trials and save the ones you want to follow.

Create a free accountLog in