The goal of this clinical research study is to learn what dose of a kind of immune cell
called T-lymphocytes (T-cells) given as a donor infusion about 8-9 weeks after a stem cell
transplant has the best results. The safety of this treatment will also be studied. This will
be tested in patients with leukemia, MDS, lymphoma, Hodgkin disease, and multiple myeloma.
These results are measured as helping to control the disease without severe graft-versus-host
disease (GvHD). GvHD is when transplanted donor tissue attacks the tissues of the recipient's
body.
Fludarabine, melphalan, and alemtuzumab are commonly given before stem cell transplants:
- Fludarabine is designed to interfere with the DNA (genetic material) of cancer cells,
which may cause the cancer cells to die.
- Melphalan is designed to bind to the DNA of cells, which may cause cancer cells to die.
- Alemtuzumab is designed to weaken the immune system and reduce the risk of rejection of
the transplant and graft-vs-host disease (GvHD).
The donor infusion of T-cells is designed to help restore the immune system after the
transplant, cause an immune reaction against the cancer, and reduce the risk of the cancer
coming back.