Alefacept is a drug tht may reduce the number of T cells in circulation. This drug has been used in the treatment of psoriasis, which is a skin disorder also caused by T cells, like chronic GVHD. Information from studies in psoriasis and in other patients with GVHD suggests that this drug may help to treat chronic GVHD. Chronic GVHD is a medical condition that can develop after allogeneic stem cell transplantation. It occurs when the donor immune cells (the "graft") attack and damage organs and tissue (the "host"). It is thought that T cells, a subtype of immune cells, are responsible for the tissue damage in chronic GVHD. In this research study we are looking to see how well Alefacept works in treating chronic GVHD that has not resolved after therapy with corticosteroids.
* During the first week of treatment, participants will receive 2 doses of Alefacept intravenously (Day 1 and Day 4). During weeks 2-12, Alefacept will be given subcutaneously once weekly. * On weeks 1, 2 and every other week through Week 12 of study treatment, participants will have a physical exam, blood tests, and be asked general health and specific questions about any problems they may be having. * Every other week, participants will be asked to complete a questionnaire about their physical symptoms, activity level and emotional well being.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
6
Given intravenously Days 1 and 4 of Week 1, then subcutaneously once weekly for Weeks 2-12
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Fred Hutch Cancer Research Center
Seattle, Washington, United States
Medical College of Wisconsin
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
Efficacy
Proportion of patients with a favorable response, defined as a complete or partial remission at week 12 as compared to baseline in subjects with steroid refractory cGVHD.
Time frame: 2 years
Safety of Alefacept Infusions in Patients With Chronic GVHD.
Assess the safety of alefacept in this patient population. The number of adverse events (including hematological and non-hematological safety events) will be used for safety assessment.
Time frame: 2 years
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