Antithymocyte Globulin and Cyclosporine to Treat Myelodysplasia
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2008-03-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
This study will determine the safety and effectiveness of a combination of the
immune-suppressing drugs antithymocyte globulin (ATG) and cyclosporine for treating
myelodysplasia, a disorder of low blood cell counts. It will: evaluate whether this drug
combination can increase blood counts in patients and reduce their need for transfusions;
compare survival of patients who respond to ATG and cyclosporine treatment with those who do
not respond; and determine the side effects of the treatment.
Myelodysplasia is thought to result from an immune system abnormality in which cells called
lymphocytes attack the marrow's blood-forming cells. The resulting deficiencies of platelets
and red and white blood cells cause anemia, susceptibility to infections, and easy bruising
and bleeding. Various therapies, such as blood transfusions for anemia and bleeding,
antibiotics for infection, chemotherapy and bone marrow transplantation are used to treat
myelodysplasia, but all have disadvantages and some carry serious risks.
Patients 18 years of age and older with myelodysplasia may be eligible for this study.
Candidates will be screened with a physical examination and medical history, blood tests,
chest X-ray, electrocardiogram and bone marrow biopsy (removal of a marrow sample from the
hipbone for microscopic examination).