Clinical Research Directory

Effects of Donor and Recipient Genetic Expression on Heart, Lung, Liver, or Kidney Transplant Survival

Activity of genes in donor tissues that are involved in inflammation are thought to be involved with early organ dysfunction, increased immune responses in transplant recipients, and organ rejection. The purpose of this study is to determine the relationship between genetic expression in donor and recipient tissue with transplant survival. Participants in this study will have received heart, lung, liver, or kidney transplants.

Noninvasive Methods to Monitor Graft Survival in Kidney Transplant Patients

The purpose of this study is to test noninvasive methods to monitor the health and condition of new kidneys in people who have received kidney transplants.

Optimization of NULOJIX® Usage As A Means of Avoiding CNI and Steroids in Renal Transplantation

The purpose of this study was to assess whether a new drug, Nulojix® (belatacept), would minimize serious long term side effects associated with anti-rejection medications while still protecting the new kidney from damage. The researchers also wanted to learn more about the safety of this treatment and long term health of the transplanted kidney.

Cardiac Improvement by Eplerenone Among Patients Under Cyclosporine or Tacrolimus for Kidney Transplantation.

The main objective of this research is to evaluate the effect, for 36 weeks, of eplerenone on abnormalities observed on cardiac ultrasound in patients with kidney transplantation for at least one year, under cyclosporine or tacrolimus. The intervention group will receive the usual standard treatment coupled with eplerenone for 36 weeks from randomization, while the control group will only receive the standard treatment. The main hypothesis is that anticalcineurins (cyclosporin or tacrolimus) lead to activation of the MR of vascular smooth muscle cells, vasoconstriction and vascular inflammation, which contributes to the persistence or recurrence of heart abnormalities in these patients after the initial post-transplant phase. The administration of eplerenone could antagonize this hyperactivation, reduce the cardiovascular effects of anticalcineurins and thus ultimately improve the cardiovascular prognosis of transplant patients.

The Impact of Intraoperative Diuretic Use on Delayed Graft Function Following Deceased Donor Renal Transplantation

Delayed graft function, defined as the need for dialysis within seven days of kidney transplantation, is a common complication affecting deceased-donor kidney transplant recipients. It is associated with prolonged hospitalization, increased healthcare costs, higher rates of acute rejection, and poorer long-term graft survival. Intraoperative diuretics are routinely administered during kidney transplant surgery to promote early urine output and protect the kidney from injury during reperfusion. The two most commonly used agents are furosemide and mannitol. Despite decades of clinical use, no prospective randomized trial has directly compared these two medications, and practice remains highly variable across centres and individual surgeons. This single-centre, prospective, randomized, surgeon-blinded pilot trial will enroll 240 deceased-donor kidney transplant recipients at London Health Sciences Centre. Participants will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio, stratified by donor type, to receive either intraoperative furosemide or intraoperative mannitol. The primary feasibility outcomes include recruitment rate. The primary clinical outcome is the incidence of delayed graft function. Secondary outcomes include serum creatinine trajectory, urine output, dialysis requirements, perioperative complications, length of stay, and one-year graft and patient survival. This pilot trial will provide feasibility data and effect-size estimates necessary to inform the design of a future definitive multicentre randomized controlled trial.

Cell Therapy for Immunomodulation in Kidney Transplantation

This study investigates treatment with recipient regulatory T cells and donor bone marrow together with tocilizumab for immunomodulation in living donor kidney transplant recipients.

Ex Vivo Normothermic Perfusion in Kidney Transplantation.

A multicenter, prospective and open-label clinical investigation to evaluate the viability, performance and safety of ex vivo normothermic perfusion in kidney transplantation from DCD and DBD donors.

Study to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of the GGTA1 KO Thymokidney in Patients With ESRD

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the GGTA1 KO Thymokidney in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) who are either not eligible for conventional allogeneic kidney transplantation (Group 1) or are on an Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) kidney transplant waitlist, but are more likely to die or go untransplanted within 5 years than receive a kidney transplant (Group 2). The study consists of xenotransplantation followed by a 24-week Post-transplant Follow-up Period (Part A) to evaluate the efficacy and safety objectives followed by a Long-term Follow-up Period (Part B) to evaluate participant survival, GGTA1 KO Thymokidney survival, and screening for zoonotic infections. Part B will continue for the lifetime of the participant or for 52 weeks following nephrectomy, if required.

APOL1 Genetic Testing Program for Living Donors

Living donor (LD) kidney transplantation is the optimal treatment for patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). However, LDs take on a higher risk of future ESKD themselves. African American (AA) LDs have an even greater, 3.3-fold, risk of ESKD than white LDs post-donation. Because evidence suggests that Apolipoprotein L1 (APOL1) risk variants contribute to this greater risk, transplant nephrologists are increasingly using APOL1 testing to evaluate LD candidates of African ancestry. However, nephrologists do not consistently perform genetic counseling with LD candidates about APOL1 due to a lack of knowledge and skill in counseling about APOL1. Without proper counseling, APOL1 testing will magnify LD candidates' decisional conflict about donating, jeopardizing their informed consent. Given their elevated risk of ESRD post-donation, and AAs' widely-held cultural concerns about genetic testing, it is ethically critical to protect AA LD candidates' safety through APOL1 testing in a culturally competent manner to improve informed decisions about donating. No transplant programs have integrated APOL1 testing into LD evaluation in a culturally competent manner. Clinical "chatbots," mobile apps that use artificial intelligence to provide genetic information to patients and relieve constraints on clinicians' time, can improve informed treatment decisions and reduce decisional conflict. The chatbot "Gia," created by a medical genetics company, can be adapted to any condition. However, no chatbot on APOL1 is currently available. No counseling training programs are available for nephrologists to counsel AA LDs about APOL1 and donation in a culturally competent manner. Given the shortage of genetic counselors, increasing nephrologists' genetic literacy is critical to integrating genetic testing into practice. The objective of this study is to culturally adapt and evaluate the effectiveness of an APOL1 testing program for AA LDs at two transplant centers serving large AA LD populations (Chicago, IL, and Washington, DC). The APOL1 testing program will evaluate the effect of the culturally competent testing, chatbot, and counseling on AA LD candidates' decisional conflict about donating, preparedness for decision-making, willingness to donate, and satisfaction with informed consent. The specific aims are to: 1. Adapt Gia and transplant counseling to APOL1 for use in routine clinical practice 2. Evaluate the effectiveness of this intervention on decisional conflict, preparedness, and willingness to donate in a pre-post design 3. Evaluate the implementation of this intervention into clinical practice by using the RE-AIM framework to longitudinally evaluate nephrologist counseling practices and LDs' satisfaction with informed consent. The impact of this study will be the creation of a model for APOL1 testing of AA LDs, which can then be implemented nationally via implementation science approaches. APOL1 will serve as a model for integrating culturally competent genetic testing into transplant and other practices to improve patient informed consent.

Multiparametric MRI in a Prospective Cohort of Living Kidney Donors, Recipients, and Healthy Controls: Correlations With Markers of Renal Function, Fibrosis and Ageing

Development of renal fibrosis is the irreversible culmination of various renal diseases and independently predicts adverse outcomes. Currently renal fibrosis can only be diagnosed by performing a renal biopsy. The procedure is invasive and is limited by sampling bias. In recent years there has been a significant development in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) based techniques. MRI can provide highly detailed anatomical images. Other MRI measures allow quantitative measurements of perfusion, oxygenation, tissue stiffness and diffusion of water molecules within tissue. The combination of several MRI techniques sensitive to different biophysical tissue properties in a single scan session is referred to as multiparametric MRI (mpMRI). Emerging evidence suggests that mpMRI could represent a method for indirect characterization of renal microstructure and extent of fibrosis. So far, studies performed in living kidney donors and recipients have been mostly cross-sectional. For mpMRI to transition to the clinical setting there is a need for validation of MRI-based measures with currently used reference methods for quantifying renal function and fibrosis. The aim of this longitudinal observational study in a cohort of living kidney donors, recipients and healthy controls is to investigate the utility of repeated mpMRI over a period of 2 years. MRI-based measures will be compared to current reference methods for quantifying renal function and fibrosis. The investigators hypothesize that there will be significant correlations between MRI-based measures, renal function determined by precise measurement of glomerular filtration rate and extent of fibrosis determined by renal biopsy. MRI-based measures are expected to be predictive of renal function decline and development of renal fibrosis. This study could provide valuable data that will be helpful in moving the field of renal mpMRI forward, with the goal of providing a novel and non-invasive method for the diagnosis of renal pathology.

Intravenous Immunoglobulins for Prevention of BKV Infection in Kidney Transplant Recipients According to BKV Genotype-specific Neutralizing Antibody Titers at the Day of Transplantation.

BK virus-associated nephropathy (BKVAN), a consequence of the strong immunosuppressive therapy given after kidney transplantation (KT), represents a growing medical problem in the KT setting. BKV replication occurs in 30-50% of recipients with progression to BKVAN in up to 10% of patients which ultimately leads to graft dysfunction and loss. Furthermore, early BKV replication after transplantation increases the risk of late acute rejection. At present, there are no BKV-specific antiviral therapies available. The current management of BKVAN relies on preemptive adaptation of immunosuppression according to viral load monitoring. However, due to its delayed nature, this empirical strategy is not always successful, and can increase the risk of donor specific antibodies, graft rejection and death. In a prospective longitudinal study, the investigators have demonstrated that the amount and kinetics of BKV genotype-specific neutralizing antibody (NAb) titers influence BKV disease severity after KT; and defined a cutoff NAb titer value of 4 log10 that allows stratification of recipients into lower and higher BKV disease risk groups prior to KT. Furthermore, our data on donor/recipient pairs provide support for the view reported by recent studies that early BKV replication in kidney transplant recipients is of donor origin. These data support the potential benefit of administering NAbs as a preventive strategy against BKV infection. The investigators and others have demonstrated the presence of high titers of BKV NAbs in commercial intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG). The investigators further evaluated the titer of BKV NAbs in plasma samples of transplant recipients after administration of IVIG. The investigators demonstrated that all patients show an increase of NAb titers in plasma after IVIG administration. The aim of the investigators study is to investigate the efficacy of IVIG for prevention of BKV viremia after KT according to pre-transplant BKV genotype-specific NAb titers against the donor's BKV strain. The study is a multicentric prospective randomized open trial evaluating the impact of administration of IVIG for prevention of BKV viremia compared to no specific treatment in kidney transplant recipients harboring neutralizing antibody titers (NAbs) ≤ 4log10 against the BKV donor's genotype. Recipients harboring BKV NAb titer ≤ 4log10 against the BKV genotype of their matched donor and negative or non-detectable BKV load in blood at day of transplantation will be randomized to receive (experimental group) or not (control group) IVIG treatment. In the experimental group, patients will receive a single dose of IVIG at day 10+/- 4 days, day 41 +/- 7 days and day 62 +/- 7 days. The dose of IVIG is defined according the donor BKV genotype: genotype I: 0.4 g/Kg/day; genotype II and IV: 1g/kg/day. The incidence of BKV viremia (\> 4 log10 copies/mL) 6 months after transplantation will be evaluated and compared between the two groups.

Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) After Kidney Transplantation

This study examines glucose levels measured by continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) in the immediate period following kidney transplantation among recipients with diabetes, without diabetes, and with pre-diabetes. The primary objective is to analyse differences in mean sensor glucose between these three groups. CGMs are applied to participants within 72 hours after kidney transplantation, with a total of 54 participants divided equally across the three groups (18 in each). Secondary objectives include assessing additional glucose profile indices, adherence to relevant guidelines, changes in HbA1c, the impact of immunosuppression and steroid dosage, and beta cell function.

Early (Postoperative Day 3) Versus Standard (Postoperative Day 6) Urethral Catheter Removal After Living Donor Kidney Transplantation

Urinary tract infection is one of the most common complications after kidney transplantation and is associated with increased morbidity, prolonged hospitalization, and impaired graft outcomes. The duration of urethral catheterization is a modifiable risk factor for catheter-associated urinary tract infection. This randomized controlled trial compares early catheter removal on postoperative day 3 with standard catheter removal on postoperative day 6 in living donor kidney transplant recipients. The primary objective is to determine whether early catheter removal reduces 30-day urinary tract infections without increasing urinary complications requiring intervention.

Phase 2 Study of ALXN2030 in Patients With Antibody-Mediated Rejection After Kidney Transplantation

The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of ALXN2030 compared with placebo on biopsy proven histologic resolution in participants with active or chronic active antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) at Week 52.

Cyclosporine A Pretreatment and Kidney Graft Function

Organ donors included in the study are randomized to a control group or an intervention group receiving 2.5 mg/kg of cyclosporine A before organ procurement. Harvested kidneys from these patients are transplanted to chronic kidney insufficiency patients. According to the pretreatment of the transplant, delayed graft function during the first week was evaluated as well as kidney function at different timepoints and mortality during the first year after transplantation.

Digital Application-Based Nursing Intervention

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of a digital application-based nursing intervention on improving health outcomes among kidney transplant recipients. Following kidney transplantation, patients face critical, lifelong challenges that require strict adherence to immunosuppressive therapy and rigorous self-management behaviors to prevent graft rejection and mortality. This study introduces a dual-component nursing intervention comprising an illustrated educational booklet and the implementation of the "MyTherapy" mobile health application. The study aims to determine whether combining tailored patient education with real-time digital medication reminders and symptom tracking can successfully enhance medication adherence, improve daily self-management behaviors, and reduce the self-perceived burden among transplant recipients during their post-operative recovery phase.

A Study of TCD601 in the Induction of Tolerance in Renal Transplantation (PERSPECTIVE)

The purpose of this study is to evaluate if TCD601 can induce allogeneic tolerance in living donor renal transplant recipients

Study to Compare the Pharmacokinetics of Tacrolimus in Stable Pediatric Allograft Recipients Converted From Prograf® to Advagraf®

Parts A \& B: Conversion of stable pediatric allograft recipients from Prograf® immunosuppression to Advagraf® immunosuppression to compare exposure and one year follow-up for safety and efficacy. Part C: Continuation of long-term follow-up and provision of ongoing study medication to subjects to whom Advagraf® is currently not available.

Screening for Asymptomatic Coronary Artery Disease in Kidney Transplant Candidates

The Canadian Australasian Randomized Trial of Screening Kidney Transplant Candidates for Coronary Artery Disease (CARSK) will test the hypothesis that eliminating the regular use of non-invasive screening tests for CAD AFTER waitlist activation is not inferior to regular (i.e., annual) screening for CAD during wait-listing for the prevention of Major Adverse Cardiac Events. Secondary analyses will assess the impact of screening on the rate of transplantation, and the relative cost-effectiveness of screening.

Evaluation of Dipyridamole in Preventing Post-Transplant Hypophosphatemia in Kidney Transplant Recipients

The primary goal is to determine if Dipyridamole can improve serum phosphate levels and reduce the need for phosphate supplementation.

Evolution of Physical Frailty and Patient-Reported Outcome Measures in Kidney Transplant Candidates: A Mixed-Methods Longitudinal Study Protocol

This study looks at how the physical and emotional health of people changes while they wait for a kidney transplant. Waiting for an organ can take a long time. During this period, some patients become "frail." This means they lose strength and are at a higher risk for health problems. The main goal is to follow these patients over time to better understand their needs. Researchers will use a mobile application to collect Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) directly from patients about how they feel and their quality of life. The study will also include personal interviews to learn about the patients' experiences and any difficulties they face when using technology. The results of this study will help to: • Identify early which patients are losing strength or health. • Improve the support that nurses provide during the transplant waiting period. • Make sure that digital health tools are easy for everyone to use. In short, this work aims to help patients reach the day of their surgery in the best possible condition.

Low- vs Standard-Dose TMP-SMX for Prevention of Pneumocystis Pneumonia After Kidney Transplantation

This study is a prospective randomized controlled trial designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of low-dose versus standard-dose trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) for the prevention of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) in kidney transplant recipients. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either low-dose or standard-dose TMP-SMX for 12 months after kidney transplantation. The primary outcome is the incidence of PJP during the prophylaxis period. Secondary outcomes include adverse events related to TMP-SMX, dose reduction or discontinuation rates, incidence and timing of PJP after discontinuation, and other post-transplant complications. Participants will be followed for a total of 24 months, including a 12-month prophylaxis period and an additional 12-month follow-up period after discontinuation. This study aims to provide evidence for optimizing prophylactic strategies against PJP in kidney transplant recipients.

TTV-based mAnagement Of Long-term ImmunosuppreSsion in Kidney Transplantation

Long-term outcomes in kidney transplantation remain a significant challenge, as complications such as donor-specific antibodies (DSA), antibody-mediated rejection, infections, and cancer increasingly threaten graft and patient survival over time. The development of non-invasive biomarkers to guide the management of therapeutic immunosuppression beyond the first year post-transplantation is therefore a crucial unmet need. Torque Teno Virus (TTV), a non-pathogenic virus with a high prevalence worldwide, has emerged as a promising biomarker in this context. Its replication inversely reflects immune control by T cells, correlating with the depth of therapeutic immunosuppression. Additionally, its slow replication kinetics make TTV DNAemia a useful marker for evaluating patient adherence to immunosuppressive treatments. The TAOIST study tests whether longitudinal monitoring of TTV DNAemia every six months, starting from the second year after transplantation, can guide the personalization of immunosuppressive therapy. The primary endpoint is the time to the first occurrence of complications linked to inadequate immunosuppression, including dnDSA, biopsy-proven rejection, infection, cancer, or graft loss. Secondary objectives include evaluating the acceptability of TTV DNAemia among healthcare professionals and assessing its cost-effectiveness compared to standard care. An ancillary objective examines the link between TTV DNAemia and the immunosuppressant possession ratio (IPR) to explore its potential as a marker of treatment adherence.

Mass Spectrometry-based Proteomics in Microvascular Inflammation Diagnosis in Kidney Transplantation.

Microvascular inflammation, the hallmark histological criteria of antibody-mediated rejection in kidney transplantation, remains an issue in routine practice, due to a lack of reproducibility in its recognition by pathologists and an incomplete comprehension of its pathophysiology, leading to a poor treatment efficacy. The main objective of this study is to assess the performances of tissue proteic signatures designed for the diagnosis of microvascular inflammation in kidney transplantation, from formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE) allograft biopsies analyzed by mass spectrometry-based proteomics.