Studies Open for Enrollment

Rapamycin for Immunosuppression and B Cell Modulation Post Stem Cell Transplant for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

The purpose of this study is to test the safety and efficacy of Rapamycin in both pediatric and adult patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) who will be receiving a blood or bone marrow transplant (BMT). Rapamycin is a newer drug used to suppress the immune system after BMT, and potentially decrease the risk of leukemic relapse and prevent graft-versis-host disease. Rapamycin is FDA approved for use in patients receiving kidney transplants, but has also been shown to have anti-leukemia effects in studies in animals and therefore may help decrease the risk of relapse. This multi-centered study will enroll approximately 60 patients, with Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh at UPMC placing 5 patients in this study.

Candidates
Children and young adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia who have been recommended for and matched with a blood or bone marrow transplant donor will be enrolled in this study.
Boys: All ages
Girls: All ages

Requirements
Rapamycin will be started the day before the participant receives the bone marrow transplant and continued for up to one year. Blood levels will be checked every few days for dosage compatibility and drawn at the same time as other necessary tests. Participants will be gradually weaned from the drug.
Visits: Requires hospital stays for portions of study
Duration: Up to 12 Months

Status: Open for Enrollment

How to Participate
To get started, please contact:
Rakesh Goyal, MD
412-692-5055

Additional Resources
Leukemia
Bone Marrow Transplant

Principal Investigator
Rakesh Goyal, MD
Pediatric Hematology/Oncology

Source of Support
Wyeth Pharmaceuticals