The purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness of etanercept in the treatment of patients with sub-acute lung injury following a bone marrow transplant. This study will also examine the toxicity of treatment with etanercept as well as whether there is an improved quality of life in these patients.
Lung or breathing problems can develop several months to years following a bone marrow transplant. In some cases, these breathing problems develop without any signs of germs or infection in the lungs. The name for this type of breathing problem is called "Sub-Acute Lung Injury". Sub-acute lung injury often develops many months, even years following a bone marrow transplant. It is often characterized by shortness of breath, cough, wheezing and fatigue. Sub-acute lung injury can either lead to the formation of scar tissue in the lungs (making it difficult to take deep breaths), or it can cause the lungs to get weak (making people feel out of breath easily). Approximately 25 - 50% of patients with sub-acute lung injury may eventually die from the damage in their lungs. Typically, such patients die from infections that develop inside the damaged lungs. In this study, treatment with an experimental drug called Etanercept will be used. (Enbrel). The physicians feel there is the possibility that Etanercept may help improve breathing. Breathing ability will be assessed prior to treatment as well as during and after treatment so that comparisons can be made.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
34
Etanercept will be given on an open label, single arm basis to patients with non-infectious, sub-acute lung injury. 0.4 mg/kg/dose to a maximum of 25 mg, subcutaneously, twice weekly, for a total of 24 dosages.
The University of Michigan Cancer Center
Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
Percent of Patients With a Greater Than or Equal to 10% Improvement in FEV1, or FVC, and DLCO
Response was defined as a greater than or equal to 10% improvement in the absolute value for FEV1 (for obstructive defects) or FVC (for restrictive defects), and DLCO (Diffusing Capacity of the Lungs for Carbon Monoxide) .
Time frame: week 12 post therapy
Percentage of Participants That Experience Grade 3 to 4 Adverse Events
To evaluate the toxicity of etanercept therapy in patients with sub-acute lung injury \> 100 days post transplant, the percent incidence of grade 3 to 4 adverse events among evaluable patients was calculated.
Time frame: continuously (and week 4, week 8 and week 12, week 20)
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