Clinical Research Directory

Reduced Intensity Allogeneic HCT in Advanced Hematologic Malignancies w/T-Cell Depleted Graft

Reduced intensity conditioning (RIC) has emerged and been increasingly adopted as a modality to allow preparative conditioning pre transplant to be tolerated by older adults or those patients that are otherwise unfit for myeloablative conditioning. In this study, we aim to use RIC followed by matched related/unrelated donor, 7/8 matched related/unrelated donor, or haploidentical donor peripheral blood stem cell transplantation. Standard strategies to control the alloreactivity following HCT utilize immunosuppressive or cytotoxic medications. In this study, we explore donor graft engineering to enrich for immmunoregulatory populations to facilitate post transplantation immune reconstitution while minimizing graft versus host disease (GVHD) with post-transplant immunosuppressive agents.

Clonal Hematopoiesis of Immunological Significance

Ambispective, national, multicenter observational cohort study aimed at characterizing the satellite dysimmune manifestations of clonal hematopoiesis, including Vexas (Vacuoles, E1 enzyme, X-linked, Autoinflammatory and Somatic) syndrome.

Chemogenomic Profiling in Hematological Malignancies (HEM-Profiling 2021)

The study will be conducted retrospectively and prospectively, using bone marrow (BM) or peripheral blood (PB) samples or biopsies of lymph nodes or tissues with metastatic involvement taken from previously stored samples here at the University Hospital of Parma or taken from patients that need to underwent diagnostic evaluation for a suspect or a defined diagnosis of hematological malignancies collected at the University Hospital of Parma.

Feasibility of a Multi-omics Platform for Hematological Malignancies

This is a biological study based on a collaborative effort involving several Italian haematology centres (including the coordinating centre). The study will be conducted retrospectively and prospectively using bone marrow (BM) or peripheral blood (PB) samples, lymph node or tissue biopsies with metastatic involvement, and other biological fluids, such as cerebrospinal fluid and pathological pleural effusion.

Pathogenesis of Hematologic Malignancies

The cause of blood and bone marrow cancers is poorly understood; however, most research focuses on how cancer cells grow and develop. Because the causes of these cancers are unknown, current treatments may be unnecessarily harsh and often do not provide a cure. Identifying the causes of blood cancers would allow for the development of treatments that are more likely to provide a cure. To find the causes of blood and bone marrow cancers, we will look for specific cancer cell abnormalities that are responsible for cancer cell growth. We will then look to see if drugs that can reverse these abnormalities can kill cancer cells.

INTEGRATIVE "MULTI-OMICS" AND FUNCTIONAL PLATFORM FOR THE COMPLETE DIAGNOSTIC CHARACTERIZATION OF TUMORS: THE ITALIAN TUMOR CHEMOGENOMIC PROFILER (IT-TCP)

This is a multicenter, experimental preclinical study conducted on primary samples from patients diagnosed with hematological or solid neoplasms defined as high risk. The study will be prospective, based on the consecutive enrollment of eligible patients at each participating institution.

MPN PROGRESSion Registry: Observational Study Tracking Symptoms, Treatments, and Disease Progression in People With Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPNs)

The MPN PROGRESSion Registry is a multi-year, observational research study designed to improve understanding of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs)-a group of rare, chronic blood cancers that include polycythemia vera (PV), essential thrombocythemia (ET), primary myelofibrosis (MF), pre-fibrotic primary myelofibrosis (pre-PMF), secondary myelofibrosis, myeloproliferative neoplasm-unclassifiable (MPN-U), MPN in accelerated phase (MPN-AP), and MPN in blast phase (MPN-BP), post-MPN Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), and MDS/MPN overlap syndrome as defined above per WHO 2022 criteria, including patients originally diagnosed with one of these conditions but who have received one or more SCTs and/or BMTs . These conditions are characterized by abnormal blood cell production in the bone marrow and may lead to complications such as blood clots, bleeding, bone marrow fibrosis, and, in some cases, progression to acute leukemia. The central hypothesis of the registry is that collecting and analyzing real-world, longitudinal data-including electronic health records (EHRs), laboratory values, treatments, and patient-reported outcomes (PROs)-from a diverse population of people living with MPNs will help identify patterns and predictors of disease progression, treatment response, quality of life, and long-term outcomes. These insights are intended to guide future research, inform clinical guidelines, and support improvements in patient care. The registry is non-interventional and observational; participants do not receive investigational treatments, and all medical care continues under the supervision of their own physicians. Data collection includes EHRs, PRO surveys, patient-reported symptom and lab tracking, insurance claims, and, in the future, may include linkages with other relevant disease registries and datasets. Potential collaborations under consideration include those with the European LeukemiaNet (ELN) MPN Registry, the Mayo Clinic MPN Database, the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research (CIBMTR), the SEER Program, Harmony Alliance Foundation, and the National Cancer Database (NCDB). The registry emphasizes the patient voice, incorporating lived experiences related to hallmark MPN symptoms such as fatigue, pruritus (itching), bone pain, night sweats, and social and emotional impacts. Participants will be followed for at least five years, with many enrolled for ten years or longer, to capture the natural history of disease and long-term outcomes. PRO surveys will be completed approximately every six months, and EHR data will be regularly reviewed to track changes in clinical status, treatment, and disease evolution. Statistical analyses will use descriptive and inferential methods to examine clinical characteristics, symptom burden, disease trajectories, and patient-centered outcomes. Planned subgroup analyses may compare differences across diagnoses, treatment approaches, demographics, or genomic factors. Analytic plans will be finalized during the course of the study and may evolve in response to emerging scientific questions. The registry is open to adults (18 years or older) living in the United States who have been diagnosed with any of the included MPN subtypes and are willing to share health information and complete study surveys. Individuals currently enrolled in interventional clinical trials or unable to provide informed consent may be excluded. Participation is voluntary, and participants may withdraw from the study at any time without affecting their medical care. Privacy and data security are core priorities. Participant data will be securely stored and managed in accordance with all applicable privacy laws and research regulations. No identifiable information will be shared with external parties without appropriate authorization. Oversight is provided by a Steering Committee and a Patient Engagement Advisory Committee (PEAC), ensuring rigorous scientific, ethical, and patient-centered governance. The registry is sponsored by the MPN Research Foundation, a nonprofit organization advancing research and patient advocacy in myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). Participants can contact the registry team at any time with questions and will receive periodic updates on study findings. This study aims to address critical gaps in understanding the real-world experiences of people with MPNs-such as symptom burden over time, risk factors for progression, and how different treatments impact patient outcomes. Findings may inform clinical trial design, support biomarker discovery, and contribute to the development of updated treatment recommendations. The registry is committed to including participants from diverse backgrounds and clinical settings to ensure findings are broadly applicable across the MPN community. Summary results will be shared through scientific publications, presentations, and other dissemination efforts to advance MPN research and care globally.

Prognostic Value of NETosis Markers for Thrombosis During Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (AVATARE)

Myeloproliferative neoplasms are hematologic diseases characterized by an increased proliferation of peripheral blood cells. The main risk of MPN is the occurrence of thrombosis. Thrombosis risk is mainly evaluated using two criteria: age and prior thrombosis. A better prediction of thrombosis risk is needed to improve prevention and treatment of MPN-associated thrombosis. The objective of the study is to evaluate the predictive value of neutrophil extracellular traps markers in thrombosis during MPN.

Preemptive CIML NK Cell Therapy After Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

The purpose of this research study is to test the safety and efficacy of cytokine induced memory-like (CIML) natural killer (NK) cells expanded with Interleukin-2 (IL-2) at preventing relapse in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), or MDS and myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) overlap syndrome after a standard-of-care stem cell transplant. Names of the study therapies involved in this study are: * CIML NK cells intravenous infusion (cellular therapy) * Subcutaneous Interleukin-2 (recombinant, human glycoprotein)

SYNERGY-AI: Artificial Intelligence Based Precision Oncology Clinical Trial Matching and Registry

International registry for cancer patients evaluating the feasibility and clinical utility of an Artificial Intelligence-based precision oncology clinical trial matching tool, powered by a virtual tumor boards (VTB) program, and its clinical impact on pts with advanced cancer to facilitate clinical trial enrollment (CTE), as well as the financial impact, and potential outcomes of the intervention.

Trial of 2 Step ATG for Prevention of Acute GVHD Post Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant

In an effort to reduce graft versus host disease (GVHD) and enhance graft versus leukemia (GVL) effect post allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT), recent research has focused on host immune cell depletion. Frame shifting anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) backwards to earlier days before days 0 can result in deeper host and less graft T-cell depletion, leading to better immune reconstitution. Preliminary data where 80% of the ATG dose is given on days -6,-5,-4 and 20% given on day -1, showed effective prevention of severe acute GVHD, chronic GVHD and favorable early immune reconstitution. We hypothesize that our 2 step ATG dosing platform when combined with standard tacrolimus and mini methotrexate can prevent grade III-IV acute GVHD and chronic GVHD, resulting in improvement of GVHD/relapse free survival at one year post transplant.

Trial of 2 Step ATG for Acute GVHD Prevention Post Myeloablative Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant

The purpose of this study is to test whether the combination of the drugs called tacrolimus (Tac), methotrexate (MTX) and new dosing strategy of another drug called (rabbit Anti-thymocyte Globulin \[ATG\]) will help prevent the development and/or improve severity of acute and/or chronic GVHD.

I Can Move With Purpose Now! A Pilot Lifestyle Intervention Study in Myeloproliferative Neoplasm Patients

The goal of this study is to see if patients with myeloproliferative disorders are able to successfully complete the Cardiac Lifestyle Program(CLP). The goal of the CLP is to teach patients how to become more active and eat healthier foods. The name of the intervention used in this research study is: Cardiac Lifestyle Program (a 12-week, tailored nutrition and physical activity program)

Itacitinib With High-dose Posttransplantation Cyclophosphamide in Older Patients

This research is being done to learn whether drug called itacitinib, which is a novel inflammation- and immune-lowering drug (immunosuppressant), can be given before and after non-myeloablative peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT; also known as a 'mini' transplant) to help prevent certain complications such as cytokine release syndrome (CRS) for patients with blood cancers, using peripheral blood from a relative. The investigators will also examine if by using itacitinib the investigators can reduce the duration of MMF (other immune suppressive drug administration posttransplant).

An Efficacy and Safety Study of Luspatercept (ACE-536) Versus Placebo in Subjects With Myeloproliferative Neoplasm-Associated Myelofibrosis on Concomitant JAK2 Inhibitor Therapy and Who Require Red Blood Cell Transfusions

The purpose of this Phase 3 study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Luspatercept compared with placebo in subjects with myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN)-associated Myelofibrosis (MF) and anemia on concomitant Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) inhibitor therapy and who require red blood cell count (RBC) transfusions. The study is divided into Screening Period, a Treatment Phase (consisting of a Blinded Core Treatment Period, a Day 169 Response Assessment, a Blinded Extension Treatment Period, and an Open-label Extension Treatment Period), and a Posttreatment Follow-up Period. Following the Day 169 Response Assessment, subjects who did not show clinical benefit will have the option to unblind. Subjects who were on placebo during the Blinded Core Treatment Period will have the opportunity to crossover into the Open-Label Extension Treatment Period and receive Luspatercept.

Characterization of Myeloproliferative Neoplasia With a Mutated IDH, SRSF2 or SF3B1 Allele (CARPEDIEM)

Retrospective study assessing the impact of IDH1/2, SRSF2 or SF3B1 mutations on event free survival of MPN patients