Central nervous system stem cell transplantation for children with neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis

2013 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 643-652 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nathan R. Selden ◽  
Amira Al-Uzri ◽  
Stephen L. Huhn ◽  
Thomas K. Koch ◽  
Darryn M. Sikora ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Stem Cells ◽  
Adverse Events ◽  
Cell Transplantation ◽  
Neurodegenerative Disorder ◽  
Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis ◽  
Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinoses ◽  
Potential Treatment ◽  
Serious Adverse Events ◽  
Clinical Trial Registration

Object Infantile and late-infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs) are invariably fatal lysosomal storage diseases associated with defects in lysosomal enzyme palmitoyl-protein thioesterase 1 (PPT-1) or tripeptidyl peptidase 1 (TPP1) activity. Previous preclinical studies have demonstrated that human CNS stem cells (HuCNS-SCs) produce both PPT-1 and TPP1 and result in donor cell engraftment and reduced accumulation of storage material in the brain when tested in an NCL mouse model. Methods HuCNS-SC transplantation was tested in an open-label dose-escalation Phase I clinical trial as a potential treatment for infantile and late-infantile NCL. Study design included direct neurosurgical transplantation of allogeneic HuCNS-SCs into the cerebral hemispheres and lateral ventricles accompanied by 12 months of immunosuppression. Results Six children with either the infantile or late-infantile forms of NCL underwent low- (3 patients) and high- (3 patients) dose transplantation of HuCNS-SCs followed by immunosuppression. The surgery, immunosuppression, and cell transplantation were well tolerated. Adverse events following transplantation were consistent with the underlying disease, and none were directly attributed to the donor cells. Observations regarding efficacy of the intervention were limited by the enrollment criteria requiring that patients be in advanced stages of disease. Conclusions This study represents the first-in-human clinical trial involving transplantation of a purified population of human neural stem cells for a neurodegenerative disorder. The feasibility of this approach and absence of transplantation-related serious adverse events support further exploration of HuCNS-SC transplantation as a potential treatment for select subtypes of NCL, and possibly for other neurodegenerative disorders. Clinical trial registration no.: NCT00337636 (ClinicalTrials.gov).

scholarly journals Single-Arm, Multicenter Phase I/II Clinical Trial for the Treatment of Envenomings by Massive Africanized Honey Bee Stings Using the Unique Apilic Antivenom

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandre Naime Barbosa ◽  
Rui Seabra Ferreira ◽  
Francilene Capel Tavares de Carvalho ◽  
Fabiana Schuelter-Trevisol ◽  
Mônica Bannwart Mendes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Adverse Events ◽  
Phase I ◽  
Serious Adverse Events ◽  
Clinical Trial Registration ◽  
Laboratory Findings ◽  
Africanized Honey Bee ◽  
Africanized Honeybee ◽  
Hospitalization Period

We evaluated the safety, optimal dose, and preliminary effectiveness of a new-approach Africanized honeybee (Apis mellifera) Antivenom (AAV) in a phase I/II, multicenter, non-randomized, single-arm clinical trial involving 20 participants with multiple stings. Participants received 2 to 10 vials of AAV depending on the number of stings they suffered, or a predefined adjuvant, symptomatic, and complementary treatment. The primary safety endpoint was the occurrence of early adverse reactions within the first 24 h of treatment. Preliminary efficacy based on clinical evolution, including laboratory findings, was assessed at baseline and at various time points over the four following weeks. ELISA assays and mass spectrometry were used to estimate venom pharmacokinetics before, during, and after treatment. Twenty adult participants, i.e., 13 (65%) men and 7 (35%) women, with a median age of 44 years and a mean body surface area of 1.92 m2 (median = 1.93 m2) were recruited. The number of stings ranged from 7 to > 2,000, with a median of 52.5. Symptoms of envenoming were classified as mild, moderate, or severe in 80% (16), 15% (3), and 5% (1) of patients, respectively; patients with mild, moderate, or severe envenoming received 2, 6, and 10 vials of AAV as per the protocol. None of the patients had late reactions (serum sickness) within 30 d of treatment. There was no discontinuation of the protocol due to adverse events, and there were no serious adverse events. One patient had a moderate adverse event, transient itchy skin, and erythroderma. All participants completed the intravenous antivenom infusion within 2 h, and there was no loss to follow-up after discharge. ELISA assays showed venom (melittin and PLA2) concentrations varying between 0.25 and 1.479 ng/mL prior to treatment. Venom levels decreased in all patients during the hospitalization period. Surprisingly, in nine cases (45%), despite clinical recovery and the absence of symptoms, venom levels increased again during outpatient care 10 d after discharge. Mass spectrometry showed melittin in eight participants, 30 d after treatment. Considering the promising safety results for this investigational product in the treatment of massive Africanized honeybee attack, and its efficacy, reflected in the clinical improvements and corresponding immediate decrease in blood venom levels, the AAV has shown to be safe for human use. Clinical Trial Registration: UTN: U1111-1160-7011, identifier [RBR-3fthf8].

EXPRESS: Altering the rehabilitation environment to improve stroke survivor activity (AREISSA): a Phase II trial.

2021 ◽  
pp. 174749302110069
Author(s):  
Heidi Janssen ◽  
Louise Ada ◽  
Sandy Middleton ◽  
Michael Pollack ◽  
Michael Nilsson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Adverse Events ◽  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Environmental Enrichment ◽  
Brain Plasticity ◽  
Social Activity ◽  
Stroke Survivor ◽  
Group Differences ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Serious Adverse Events ◽  
Clinical Trial Registration

Background: Environmental enrichment involves organisation of the environment and provision of equipment to facilitate engagement in physical, cognitive and social activity. In animals with stroke, it promotes brain plasticity and recovery. Aims: To assess the feasibility and safety of a patient-driven model of environmental enrichment incorporating access to communal and individual environmental enrichment. Methods: A non-randomised cluster trial with blinded measurement involving people with stroke (n=193) in 4 rehabilitation units was carried out. Feasibility was operationalised as activity 10 days after admission to rehabilitation and availability of environmental enrichment. Safety was measured as falls and serious adverse events. Benefit was measured as clinical outcomes at 3 months, by an assessor blinded to group. Results: The experimental group (n=91) spent 7% (95% CI -14 to 0) less time inactive, 9% (95% CI 0 to 19) more time physically, and 6% (95% CI 2 to 10) more time socially active than the control group (n=102). Communal environmental enrichment was available 100% of the time, but individual environmental enrichment was rarely within reach (24%) or sight (39%). There were no between-group differences in serious adverse events or falls at discharge or 3 months nor in clinical outcomes at 3 months. Conclusions: This patient-driven model of environmental enrichment was feasible and safe. However, the very modest increase in activity by people with stroke, and the lack of benefit in clinical outcomes 3 months after stroke do not provide justification for an efficacy trial. Clinical Trial Registration: ANZCTR 12613000796785 Words: 245

scholarly journals Efficacy and safety of FOLFIRINOX as salvage treatment in advanced biliary tract cancer: an open-label, single arm, phase 2 trial

2020 ◽  
Vol 122 (5) ◽  
pp. 634-639 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali Belkouz ◽  
Judith de Vos-Geelen ◽  
Ron A. A. Mathôt ◽  
Ferry A. L. M. Eskens ◽  
Thomas M. van Gulik ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Adverse Events ◽  
Biliary Tract ◽  
Biliary Tract Cancer ◽  
Objective Response ◽  
Salvage Treatment ◽  
Phase 2 ◽  
Serious Adverse Events ◽  
Clinical Trial Registration ◽  
Tract Cancer ◽  
Grade 3

Abstract Background No standard treatment is available for advanced biliary tract cancer (BTC) after first-line therapy with gemcitabine plus cisplatin (GEMCIS). The objective of this study was to evaluate safety and anti-tumour activity of fluorouracil, leucovorin, irinotecan plus oxaliplatin (FOLFIRINOX) as salvage treatment in patients with previously treated advanced BTC. Methods In this two-stage phase 2 study, patients with advanced BTC who had disease progression or unacceptable toxicity after ≥3 cycles of GEMCIS were eligible. Primary endpoints were safety and efficacy (defined as objective response rate, ORR). In stage one, ten patients were treated with FOLFIRINOX every 2 weeks. In stage two, an additional 20 patients were enrolled at a starting dose as defined in stage one, provided that in stage ≥1 objective response or ≥2 stable diseases were observed and ≤3 patients had serious adverse events (SAEs) within the first 6 weeks of treatment. Secondary endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Results Forty patients were screened for eligibility and 30 patients were enrolled. In stage one, one patient had a partial response and five patients had stable disease. One patient had a SAE during the first 6 weeks of treatment, and five patients required a dose reduction due to adverse events. The most common grade 3–4 adverse events in stage one were neutropaenia, mucositis and diarrhoea. Stage two was initiated with FOLFIRINOX in an adapted dose. In stage two, grade 3–4 neutropaenia, diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting were the most common adverse events. The ORR, median PFS and OS in all patients were 10%, 6.2 and 10.7 months, respectively. Conclusions In patients with advanced BTC who progressed after or were intolerant to GEMCIS, FOLFIRINOX can be administered safely and could be considered as an option for salvage treatment in these patients. Clinical trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT02456714.

Results of the ADRRAD Trial of pelvic IMRT plus radium-223 in men with mHSPC metastatic to bone.

2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (6_suppl) ◽  
pp. 136-136
Author(s):  
Joe O'Sullivan ◽  
Philip Geoffrey Turner ◽  
Suneil Jain ◽  
Arthur Grey ◽  
Sandra Biggart ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Adverse Events ◽  
Phase 1 ◽  
Palliative Radiotherapy ◽  
Progression Free Survival ◽  
Castration Resistant Prostate Cancer ◽  
Pelvic Radiotherapy ◽  
Serious Adverse Events ◽  
Radium 223

136 Background: Radiotherapy to the Prostate in mHSPC improves overall survival (OS) and Progression free survival (PFS) for patients with low-volume-disease[1]. Radium-223 in metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) improves OS [2]. We conducted a prospective phase 1/2 clinical trial in mHSPC, testing the combination of with LHRHa, concurrent pelvic radiotherapy and radium-223. Methods: Thirty patients were recruited with mHSPC; they had a minimum of 3 bone metastases (majority had > 20 bone mets), nil visceral metastases, PS0-1. Patients were encouraged to receive up front docetaxel. They were treated with ongoing LHRHa, pelvic radiotherapy aiming for 74Gy in 37 fractions to prostate PTV with 60Gy concomitantly delivered to pelvic nodal PTV. Concurrently, patients received radium-223, 55kBq/kg for 6 cycles q28 days; fraction 1 radiotherapy was synchronous with cycle 1 day 1 radium-223. Results: Median age was 63 years and 28 (93%) received at least 4 cycles of docetaxel. One patient received prostate only radiotherapy due to bowel constraints. Three patients had cycle 6 radium-223 omitted. At a median follow-up of 28 months, there have been 415 Adverse events, (3% Grade >3), and 6 serious adverse events (SAEs) ( 2 episodes of UTI, 1 each of cystitis non-infective, cardiac chest pain, pyrexia and AKI). Commonest AEs by number were: leucopenia, neutropenia, and diarrhoea. Ten SSE’s have occurred including 8 courses of palliative radiotherapy for bone pain, 1 course of radiotherapy for impending MSCC and 1 pathological fracture. At median follow up 28.0 months, median biochemical PFS is 17.9 months, median OS not yet reached. Conclusions: This trial shows clear tolerability and promising early efficacy data requiring further exploration in a randomised phase 3 trial. Clinical trial information: 2014-000273-39.

Congenital Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis with a Novel CTSD Gene Mutation: A Rare Cause of Neonatal-Onset Neurodegenerative Disorder

2017 ◽  
Vol 49 (02) ◽  
pp. 150-153 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Varvagiannis ◽  
S. Hanquinet ◽  
M. Billieux ◽  
R. De Luca ◽  
P. Rimensberger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neurodegenerative Disorder ◽  
Age Of Onset ◽  
Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis ◽  
Molecular Genetic ◽  
Bioinformatic Analysis ◽  
Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinoses ◽  
Gene Encoding ◽  
Functional Studies ◽  
Ceroid Lipofuscinosis ◽  
Similar Phenotype

AbstractNeuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses represent a heterogeneous group of early onset neurodegenerative disorders that are characterized by progressive cognitive and motor function decline, visual loss, and epilepsy. The age of onset has been historically used for the phenotypic classification of this group of disorders, but their molecular genetic delineation has now enabled a better characterization, demonstrating significant genetic heterogeneity even among individuals with a similar phenotype. The rare Congenital Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis (CLN10) caused by mutations in the CTSD gene encoding for cathepsin D is associated with a dramatic presentation with onset before or around birth. We report on a female born to consanguineous parents who presented at birth with severe neonatal encephalopathy with massive cerebral and cerebellar shrinking on magnetic resonance imaging. Whole exome sequencing with targeted bioinformatic analysis of a panel of genes associated with prenatal/perinatal onset of neurodegenerative disease was performed and revealed the presence of a novel homozygous in-frame deletion in CTSD. Additional functional studies further confirmed the pathogenic character of this variant and established the diagnosis of CLN10 in the patient.

scholarly journals Proposal for a new therapeutic high dosage of Pidotimod in children with Periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, adenitis (PFAPA) syndrome: an observational study.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Manti ◽  
Federica Filosco ◽  
Giuseppe Fabio Parisi ◽  
Giuseppe Germano Finocchiaro ◽  
Maria Papale ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Adverse Events ◽  
Periodic Fever ◽  
Phase 1 ◽  
Aphthous Stomatitis ◽  
Potential Treatment ◽  
Phase 2 ◽  
Serious Adverse Events ◽  
Group A ◽  
Pfapa Syndrome ◽  
Group B

Abstract Background. Despite to PFAPA syndrome is considered a benign and self-limited condition in childhood its impact on patients and families can be remarkable in many cases. Currently, the therapeutic options for managing are non-specific and no consensus exists about the best treatment to use. Pidotimod has been suggested as a new potential treatment in PFAPA syndrome for its immunodulatory effects. We conducted a preliminary, prospective, controlled, open, cross-over trial to assess the efficacy and the safety of Pidotimod in the treatment of children with PFAPA syndrome.Methods. 22 children with PFAPA syndrome were randomly allocated to treatment with Pidotimod (with 2 vials of 400 mg daily) in combination with betamethasone 0.5-1 mg on need (group A) or betamethasone 0.5-1 mg on need (group B). Each treatment period was for 3 months (Phase 1), after that patients were switched to the other arm for other 3 months (Phase 2). Efficacy was expressed in terms of number of episodes of fever, tonsillitis, and aphthous stomatitis, as well as the additional use of betamethasone on need. Safety and tolerability of the Pidotimod were evaluated on the basis of the number and type of adverse events (AEs) recorded during the treatment.Results. Patients receiving Pidotimod and betametasone showed a significant decrease in frequency of fevers (p = 0.002); number of episodes of tonsillitis (p = 0.049); aphthous stomatitis (p = 0.036) as well as the betamethasone use on need (p = 0.007). Overall, 19/22 (86.4%) showed benefits from Pidotimod administration. The safety profile of Pidotimod was excellent as no serious adverse events have been reported in the treated groups.Conclusions. We firstly showed that high dosage of Pidotimod is an effective and safe to reduce the PFAPA attacks in children.

scholarly journals A Phase 2 Randomised Clinical Trial Assessing the Tolerability of Two Different Ratios of Medicinal Cannabis in Patients With High Grade Gliomas

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Janet Schloss ◽  
Judith Lacey ◽  
Justin Sinclair ◽  
Amie Steel ◽  
Michael Sughrue ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trial ◽  
High Grade Glioma ◽  
Randomised Clinical Trial ◽  
Trial Registration ◽  
Brain Morphology ◽  
Control Group ◽  
High Grade ◽  
Serious Adverse Events ◽  
Clinical Trial Registration ◽  
Medicinal Cannabis

BackgroundCannabis for cancer is very topical and, given the use of illicit cannabis preparations used in this vulnerable population, research investigating standardised, quality-assured medicinal cannabis is critical to inform clinicians and assist patient safety.MethodsA randomized trial involving adult patients diagnosed with a high-grade glioma, no history of substance abuse, liver or kidney damage or myocardial infarction were eligible for inclusion in a tolerability study on two different ratios of medicinal cannabis. Baseline screening of brain morphology, blood pathology, functional status, and cognition was conducted. A retrospective control group was used for comparison for secondary outcomes.ResultsParticipants (n=88) were on average 53.3 years old. A paired t-test assessed the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy for Brain Cancer (FACT-Br) between groups from baseline to week 12 found that the 1:1 ratio favoured both physical (p=0.025) and functional (p=0.014) capacity and improved sleep (p=0.009). Analysis of changes from baseline to week 12 also found 11% of 61 participants had a reduction in disease, 34% were stable, 16% had slight enhancement, and 10% had progressive disease. No serious adverse events occurred. Side effects included dry mouth, tiredness at night, dizziness, drowsiness.ConclusionThis study demonstrated that a single nightly dose of THC-containing medicinal cannabis was safe, had no serious adverse effects and was well tolerated in patients. Medicinal cannabis significantly improved sleep, functional wellbeing, and quality of life.Clinical Trial RegistrationAustralian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) http://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=373556&isReview=true, identifier ACTRN12617001287325.

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