This is an open label trial in which letermovir will be given as prophylaxis for the prevention of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and disease to all heart transplants who are at risk for cytomegalovirus. The study will compare a 30 patient prospective cohort to a retrospective cohort of 374 heart transplant recipients for the rates of neutropenia. In addition, the tolerability of letermovir will be assessed in this population.
This open label trial will follow 30 heart transplant recipients at Tufts Medical Center who will receive letermovir in a dose of 480 mg daily for either 3 or 6 months depending on the CMV risk category, and who will be followed for one year. Comparison will be made to a cohort of heart transplant recipients as historical controls in a recently presented study (Chow, J, et al ISHLT 2021). Standard follow up will be provided as if the patients were receiving valganciclovir prophylaxis. Post prophylaxis T cell immunity to all subjects enrolled will be tested. Clinical outcomes are detailed below.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
OTHER
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
32
Open label trial of the licensed drug, letermovir, in a population of heart transplant recipients for which it is not yet licensed
Tufts Medical Center
Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Proportion of Patients With Neutropenia Compared to Historical Controls
We will count the number of patients with neutropenia seen over one year and calculate the proportion who become neutropenic. A comparison group of historic controls from a similar population is available for comparison. We know the control group has a 30% likelihood of becoming neutropenic at one year.
Time frame: 12 months
Rate of CMV Infection in Letermovir Recipients Compared to Historical Controls
Number of patients who develop CMV infection, comparison will be made to historic control group who were taking valganciclovir for CMV prophylaxis
Time frame: 1 year
Rate of Opportunistic Infections in Letermovir Arm Compared to Historical Controls
Number of patients who develop an opportunistic infection
Time frame: 1 year
Tolerability and Compliance of Letermovir
Number of patients with adverse events will be collected using a data questionnaire, and examination of lab data, need for subsequent hospitalization. There is no comparator group for this purely descriptive outcome.
Time frame: 1 year
Use of Granulocyte Colony Stimulation Factor (GCSF) in Letermovir Recipients Compared to Historical Controls
Comparison of Proportions
Time frame: 1 year
Measure of CMV Specific T Cell Immunity in Letermovir Recipients
Single measurement of specific T-cell immune function to CMV. There is no comparator arm for this outcome because this test did not exist at time of historical controls. This is a measure of CMV specific T-cell immunity based on a commercial assay that yields one of 3 results: positive (CMV T-cell function is measured), indeterminate, negative (CMV T-cell function is not measured). A positive T-cell test is considered a better outcome.
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Time frame: single time point measured within 2 weeks after completion of prophylaxis therapy, at either 3 months or 6 months, depending on duration of prophylaxis