Clinical Research Directory

Belumosudil Versus Ruxolitinib for Steroid-Refractory or Breakthrough Hepatic cGVHD

This prospective, randomized, open-label, multicenter trial aims to compare second-line treatment strategies for hepatic cGVHD after allo-HSCT. Ruxolitinib and belumosudil are both effective for cGVHD, but no head-to-head comparison specifically in hepatic cGVHD has been reported. Two cohorts are enrolled: Cohort 1 comprises patients with steroid-refractory hepatic cGVHD without prior ruxolitinib or belumosudil exposure, randomized to receive either agent. Cohort 2 includes patients who develop new-onset hepatic cGVHD after ≥4 weeks of therapy with ruxolitinib or belumosudil for other-organ cGVHD (stable for ≥2 weeks), or patients with non-response/progression on either agent for hepatic cGVHD; these patients will be switched to the opposite drug. Key questions include: • In steroid-refractory hepatic cGVHD, does 24-week hepatic overall response rate differ between belumosudil and ruxolitinib? • What is the hepatic response rate after drug switching in Cohort 2? • How do the two agents compare in safety and tolerability for hepatic cGVHD? • What are their impacts on corticosteroid tapering, failure-free survival, and long-term outcomes? Participants will: • Receive assigned treatment per cohort and randomization • Undergo regular efficacy/safety monitoring, including hepatic cGVHD scoring, liver function tests, and adverse event recording • Provide peripheral blood samples at baseline and multiple on-treatment time points for exploratory biomarker analysis • Complete 24-week primary efficacy assessment with follow-up until progression or discontinuation Primary endpoint is 24-week hepatic overall response rate (CR+PR, per 2014 NIH cGVHD criteria). Secondary endpoints include duration of response, failure-free survival, corticosteroid tapering rate, safety (AE/SAE incidence), liver function improvement, and patient-reported outcomes. This head-to-head comparison will provide high-level evidence for selecting second-line and beyond therapies for hepatic cGVHD.

GMPA Versus PPI for Gastric Protection and aGVHD Risk

The goal of this clinical trial is to observe whether different gastric protection strategies affect the incidence of acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) in patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are routinely used for gastric protection during transplantation, but their prolonged use may suppress gastric acid, alter gut microbiota, and potentially increase the risk of aGVHD. Teprenone, a gastric mucosal protective agent (GMPA), enhances mucosal defense mechanisms including promoting mucus secretion, increasing gastric mucosal blood flow, and facilitating epithelial cell repair, without affecting gastric acid secretion, and may therefore preserve microbial diversity and modify aGVHD risk. This study compares two strategies: continuous PPI use versus switching from PPIs to teprenone after transplantation. The main questions this study aims to answer are: * Does switching from PPIs to teprenone after transplantation reduce the cumulative incidence of aGVHD within +100 days post-transplantation compared with continuous PPI use? * What adverse events do participants experience with teprenone versus continuous PPI therapy? * Does teprenone therapy provide better preservation of gut microbial diversity and lower rates of gastrointestinal and infectious complications compared with continuous PPI use? In this prospective, randomized, parallel-controlled, single-center trial, approximately 198 patients undergoing allo-HSCT will be enrolled and assigned in a 1:1 ratio using a central randomization system. The experimental group (teprenone group) will receive standard-dose PPIs (esomeprazole, 40 mg/d, intravenous/oral) during conditioning and switch to teprenone (50 mg tid, orally) after transplantation through day +100. The control group (PPI group) will receive continuous standard-dose PPIs from conditioning through day +100. Probiotic use is prohibited from conditioning through day +100 in both groups. All other anti-infective, GVHD prophylaxis, and supportive care regimens are identical between the two groups. The primary endpoint of this study is the cumulative incidence of aGVHD within +100 days post-transplantation. Secondary endpoints include grade II-IV and grade III-IV aGVHD, lower gastrointestinal aGVHD, steroid-refractory aGVHD, gut and salivary microbiome dynamics (α-diversity, β-diversity, and specific taxa at pre-conditioning, day 0, day +14, and day +28), plasma biomarkers related to intestinal barrier integrity, systemic inflammation, and immune regulation , infectious and gastrointestinal complications (febrile neutropenia, diarrhea, C. difficile infection, bacteremia, EBV/CMV reactivation, upper GI bleeding, reflux), and 1-year survival outcomes (non-relapse mortality, overall survival, GVHD-free/relapse-free survival). During the study, participants will: * Receive the assigned gastric protection regimen (teprenone or PPI) according to randomization * Undergo regular assessments for safety and efficacy monitoring, including aGVHD surveillance and infection screening * Provide fecal and saliva samples at pre-conditioning, day 0, day +14, and day +28 post-transplantation for microbiome analysis * Provide peripheral blood samples at pre-conditioning, day 0, day +14, and day +28 post-transplantation for exploratory analysis * Be followed for up to 1 year post-transplantation

Safety and Efficacy of Iptacopan in Patients With High-Risk Transplantation-Associated Thrombotic Microangiopathy

The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Iptacopan as a second-line treatment for high-risk hematopoietic stem cell transplantation-associated thrombotic microangiopathy (TA-TMA). Iptacopan is a selective oral small-molecule complement factor B inhibitor. It acts by inhibiting factor B, blocking the formation of C3 convertase, reducing C3b deposition, thereby suppressing C5 convertase (C3bBbC3b) and ultimately decreasing the formation of the membrane attack complex (MAC), which is expected to mitigate endothelial damage in TA-TMA pathology. The main questions this study aims to answer are: * Does Iptacopan improve 6-month overall survival in high-risk TA-TMA patients? * What adverse events do participants experience while taking Iptacopan? * Does Iptacopan provide hematological response and organ function recovery in TA-TMA patients? In this prospective, multicenter, open-label, single-arm Phase II study, all participants will receive Iptacopan treatment. The primary endpoint of this study is the 6-month overall survival rate from TA-TMA diagnosis. Secondary endpoints include safety evaluation, hematological response, and organ function recovery. During the study, participants will: * Receive Iptacopan treatment according to protocol * Undergo regular assessments for safety and efficacy monitoring * Be followed for up to 24 months post-treatment initiation

A Study of VABu Conditioning Regimen in Allo-HSCT for AML Patients

This study evaluates the effectiveness and safety of a new conditioning regimen called VABu before stem cell transplantation in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who are in their first complete remission (CR1), classified as non-high-risk per ELN 2022 guidelines, but have poor physical condition (ECOG performance status ≥ 2) or high comorbidity burden (HCT-CI ≥ 2). VABu combines venetoclax, azacitidine (or decitabine as an alternative), and busulfan. This is a single-arm, prospective study with 42 participants. All participants will receive the VABu regimen followed by stem cell transplantation. The primary outcome measure is 2-year overall survival (OS). Secondary outcomes include 2-year relapse-free survival (RFS), transplant-related mortality (TRM), engraftment failure rate, bloodstream infection (BSI), and 2-year all-cause mortality and non-relapse mortality (NRM). The study is conducted at the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University.

Acupuncture to Prevent Nausea and Vomiting After Stem Cell Transplant

This study is testing whether acupuncture at a point on the wrist called "Neiguan" can help reduce nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing stem cell transplantation. Participants will receive either real acupuncture or standard care. We hope to find a safe way to improve comfort during cancer treatment.

Chlorophyllin for Reducing Oral Mucositis in Total Body Irradiation Prior to Transplant

The goal of this phase II, single-arm interventional clinical trial is to evaluate whether oral sodium copper chlorophyllin (CHL) can reduce the frequency and severity of oral mucositis in patients aged 12-65 years undergoing myeloablative total body irradiation (TBI) as part of conditioning before their first allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT). The main questions it aims to answer are: Does oral chlorophyllin reduce the incidence of Grade III and IV oral mucositis by day +28 after HSCT? Does oral chlorophyllin reduce the duration of severe oral mucositis and the need for total parenteral nutrition (TPN), opioid analgesics, and other treatment-related toxicities, while maintaining acceptable safety? Participants will: Receive oral sodium copper chlorophyllin 750 mg once daily (tablet or oral suspension) starting 48 hours before TBI conditioning and continuing until day +28 after HSCT. Undergo standard myeloablative TBI-based conditioning and allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT) as part of routine clinical care. Have regular clinical assessments for oral mucositis, treatment-related toxicities, engraftment, and graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Provide blood and saliva samples at predefined time points for cytokine and pharmacokinetic analyses.

CMV-CMI in csCMVi After HSCT

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation is a common and serious complication after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT), and the reconstitution of CMV-specific cell-mediated immunity (CMV-CMI) plays a key role in viral control. This prospective, exploratory study will enroll 40 adult CMV-seropositive patients who experience their first CMV reactivation after allo-HSCT. CMV-specific T cell levels (IFN-γ-producing T cells stimulated by IE-1 and pp65 antigens) will be measured using ELISPOT at four time points: at diagnosis of CMV viremia, 3 weeks after initiating preemptive therapy, at anti-CMV drug withdrawal, and 4 weeks after treatment discontinuation. Patients will be followed for 12 weeks after stopping treatment. The primary objective is to describe the changes in CMV-specific T cell levels over the therapy. Secondary objectives are to explore the relationship between these levels and the occurrence of refractory CMV infection, recurrent CMV infection, and CMV disease. Findings may help identify patients at high risk of progressing to severe or persistent CMV infection at an early stage of preemptive therapy, enabling personalized intervention strategies.

Virtual Reality-Assisted Exercise in Pediatric Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

This randomized controlled, single-blind clinical trial investigates whether virtual reality (VR)-assisted, video game-based exercise training, added to a conventional pulmonary physiotherapy and rehabilitation program, improves functional level, respiratory parameters, and physical fitness in pediatric patients (5-18 years) following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Participants attended 24 supervised, face-to-face exercise sessions over 8 weeks (3×/week) under physiotherapist supervision. The Experimental Group received game-based exercise using the Nintendo Wii Fit U platform with the Wii Balance Board and the Breathing Labs Breathing Games software (Slovenia) in addition to the conventional program. Outcomes included the Modified Alpha-Fit Pediatric Test Battery (vertical jump, 6-minute walk test, sit-and-reach, flamingo balance), upper-extremity isometric muscle strength (handheld dynamometry) and handgrip strength (Jamar), pulmonary function tests, maximal inspiratory and expiratory mouth pressures, accessory respiratory muscle architecture by myotonometry (MyotonPro: sternocleidomastoid, upper trapezius, pectoralis major), and ultrasound assessment of pleural thickness, diaphragm thickness, and diaphragm excursion.

Impact of Iron Overload on the Incidence of Liver Complications in Long-Term Survivors (≥10 Years) of Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem-Cell Transplantation.

This single-center, non interventional cohort study investigates whether chronic iron overload influences the incidence of liver complications in adults who are at least 10 years beyond allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo HSCT). Approximately 400-500 survivors transplanted at Hôpital Saint Louis between January 2004 and December 2014 will be evaluated. Transplant characteristics, prior iron overload therapy, and historical hepatic events will be collected through the Promise database. At the same time, the prospective visit will include laboratory panels and non invasive liver stiffness measurement by FibroScan or shear wave elastography. The study's primary objective is to assess the impact of iron overload on the incidence of hepatic complications in patients more than 10 years after an allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Secondary aims include describing the spectrum and frequency of hepatic complications, determining risk factors (including graft versus host disease, conditioning regimen, and comorbidities), and evaluating the long term effectiveness of previous iron reduction treatments (phlebotomy or chelation). Results will clarify whether monitoring and treating iron overload in long term allo HSCT survivors can prevent late hepatic morbidity.

Massage Impact on Sleep in Pediatric Oncology

This study aims to determine the impact of massage therapy for pediatric patients receiving intensive chemotherapy or stem cell transplant (SCT).

Adoptive T Lymphocyte Administration for Chronic Norovirus Treatment in Immunocompromised Hosts

This is a Phase I dose-escalation study to evaluate the safety of norovirus -specific T-cell (NST) therapy for chronic norovirus infection in participants following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) or who are immunocompromised due to PID and have not undergone HSCT, or Solid Organ Transplant (SOT) recipients.

Safety and Efficacy of N-Acetylcysteine Mouthwash in Prevention of Mucositis in HSCT Patients

Oral mucositis (OM) is one of the most frequent complications in patients who undergo HSCT. It not only causes severe discomfort but also affects treatment adherence and increases hospital stays. In this study, we aim to assess whether using N-acetylcysteine mouthwash can safely and effectively prevent OM. The trial is randomized and conducted in the hematology wards of TUMS-affiliated RIOHCT, including both autologous and allogeneic HSCT patients.

Prehabilitation to Improve Frailty, Function, and Quality of Life in Candidates for Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

Candidates for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) frequently experience declines in strength, physical function, and quality of life before the procedure. Many also present fatigue, limitations in daily activities, and an increased risk of complications during and after hospitalization. Optimizing physical condition before transplantation may improve post-procedure recovery. This study will evaluate whether a prehabilitation program improves physical function, frailty, and quality of life in adults preparing for HSCT. The intervention consists of supervised exercise, education, and activities designed to enhance endurance and functional capacity. Although prehabilitation has shown benefits in other oncologic populations, it has been minimally studied in HSCT candidates, and no structured programs have been evaluated in Chile. A total of 68 adults will be randomly assigned to a prehabilitation group or a usual-care control group. The prehabilitation group will receive a personalized program including aerobic and resistance exercise, stretching, balance training, respiratory exercises, and education on healthy behaviors, delivered through a hybrid model of in-person and remote sessions. Occupational therapy will also be provided to support functional and cognitive abilities. The control group will continue with standard medical care. Baseline and post-intervention assessments will include measures of strength, frailty, fatigue, balance, cognitive function, daily activities, and quality of life. Post-transplant outcomes such as hospital length of stay, complications, and readmissions within three months will also be recorded. Feasibility, adherence, satisfaction, and adverse events will be evaluated. Findings from this trial may inform the development of structured prehabilitation programs for HSCT candidates and support the implementation of evidence-based supportive care strategies in hematologic oncology.

High-Altitude Hematology Observation-Stem Cell Transplantation (HALO-SCT)

The High-Altitude Hematology Observation-Stem Cell Transplantation (HALO-SCT) study is the first prospective real-world cohort of hematologic diseases and transplantation in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) at Qinghai University Affiliated Hospital, together with their donors, are systematically enrolled. The registry collects demographic, diagnostic, treatment, prognosis, and medical expense information, as well as biospecimens for future analyses. Historical data are incorporated, and prospective data collection is ongoing with long-term follow-up planned. The registry is designed as a sustainable research infrastructure to provide comprehensive data on disease incidence, treatment patterns, outcomes, and resource utilization in a high-altitude setting.

Effects of Different Inspiratory Muscle Training Protocols in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Recipients

Introduction: After haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), patients often experience complications such as respiratory difficulties, fatigue and decreased quality of life. The aim of the study was to compare the effectiveness of different inspiratory muscle training (IMT) protocols on respiratory muscle strength and endurance, dyspnoea, maximal exercise capacity, diaphragmatic function, respiratory function parameters, peripheral muscle strength, fatigue, quality of life, oxidative stress parameters, muscle biomarkers and inflammatory biomarkers in HSCT recipients during the transplantation process. Method: The study will include patients between 18-65 years of age, who are able to walk and understand the instructions, who do not have orthopedic, neurological or cardiac disorders and who will undergo haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Patients with cognitive impairments; orthopedic or neurological diseases that may affect the evaluation of physical fitness tests; patients with comorbidities such as asthma, COPD will not be included in the study. In cases where the exercise group subjects' attendance to the training protocol is interrupted for 3 sessions or more consecutively, the voluntariness to participate in the research is lost during the research process, and clinical haemodynamic instability develops in the subjects, the participant will be excluded from the study. Patients in whom exercise training is contraindicated such as acute bleeding, haemoglobin value \<5 g/dl, platelet count ≤10000 mm3, high fever (body temperature \>38◦C), severe pain, confusion, dizziness, nausea and vomiting will not be included in the exercise. It is planned as a prospective, randomised controlled and single blinded study. Triple blinding could not be performed due to the executive's evaluation and implementation of the study protocol. Patients included in the study will be randomly divided into 3 study groups of 15 people each. Stratified randomisation technique will be used. A total of 45 haematopoietic stem cell transplant patients will be included in the study. Patients will be evaluated 3 times: before exercise therapy (pre-HSCT), before and after starting the preparatory regime and after exercise therapy (post-HSCT). Primary assessment measures are dyspnoea, maximal exercise capacity, respiratory muscle strength and endurance, diaphragmatic respiration, oxidative stress parameters, inflammatory markers, muscle biomarkers, pulmonary function test. Secondary assessment measures were peripheral muscle strength, fatigue, depression, and quality of life. The research arms consisted of a total of 45(15;15;15) people in 3 groups: 'standard inspiratory muscle training group', 'functional respiratory muscle training group' and 'control group' with 15 people in each group. All patients in the control and research groups will receive inspiratory muscle training for a total of 30 minutes twice a day, every weekday during the transplantation period, starting at the end of the session in which their initial assessment was made. Functional respiratory muscle training group will perform functional exercises simultaneously with inspiratory muscle training 3 days a week (Monday-Wednesday-Friday or Tuesday-Thursday-Saturday). All exercises will be supervised by a physiotherapist. The most important originality of this study is that it is the first study to investigate the effects of functional respiratory muscle training on respiratory parameters, diaphragm function, peripheral muscle strength, maximum oxygen consumption, dyspnoea, fatigue, depression and quality of life in HSCT recipients. It is the first randomised controlled study to demonstrate the effect of inspiratory muscle training on diaphragmatic function in HSCT recipients and it is one of the rare studies in which exercise capacity will be evaluated by cardiopulmonary exercise test. It is also the first study to examine the relationship between inspiratory muscle training and muscle biomarkers and oxidative stress parameters in HSCT recipients. H0: There is no difference in the effectiveness of different inspiratory muscle training protocols on maximal exercise capacity, respiratory muscle strength, respiratory muscle endurance, diaphragmatic function, oxidative stress parameters, muscle biomarkers, inflammatory biomarkers, dyspnoea, peripheral muscle strength, quality of life, fatigue, depression in haematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients. H1: There is a difference in the effectiveness of different inspiratory muscle training protocols on maximal exercise capacity, respiratory muscle strength, respiratory muscle endurance, diaphragmatic function, oxidative stress parameters, muscle biomarkers, inflammatory biomarkers, dyspnoea, peripheral muscle strength, quality of life, fatigue, depression in haematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients.

VEN+DAC+Bu2Flu4 vs Bu2Flu5 Conditioning Regimen for Elderly Myeloid Malignancies Undergoing Allo-HSCT

The purpose of this study is to compare the efficacy and safety of venetoclax+decitabine+busulfan+fludarabine (VEN+DAC+Bu2Flu4) regimen with busulfan+fludarabine (Bu2Flu5) regimen in older patients with myeloid malignancies undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT).