Clinical Research Directory

Investigation of the Genetics of Hematologic Diseases

The purpose of this study is to collect and store samples and health information for current and future research to learn more about the causes and treatment of blood diseases. This is not a therapeutic or diagnostic protocol for clinical purposes. Blood, bone marrow, hair follicles, nail clippings, urine, saliva and buccal swabs, left over tissue, as well as health information will be used to study and learn about blood diseases by using genetic and/or genomic research. In general, genetic research studies specific genes of an individual; genomic research studies the complete genetic makeup of an individual. It is not known why many people have blood diseases, because not all genes causing these diseases have been found. It is also not known why some people with the same disease are sicker than others, but this may be related to their genes. By studying the genomes in individuals with blood diseases and their family members, the investigators hope to learn more about how diseases develop and respond to treatment which may provide new and better ways to diagnose and treat blood diseases. Primary Objective: * Establish a repository of DNA and cryopreserved blood cells with linked clinical information from individuals with non-malignant blood diseases and biologically-related family members, in conjunction with the existing St. Jude biorepository, to conduct genomic and functional studies to facilitate secondary objectives. Secondary Objectives: * Utilize next generation genomic sequencing technologies to Identify novel genetic alternations that associate with disease status in individuals with unexplained non-malignant blood diseases. * Use genomic approaches to identify modifier genes in individuals with defined monogenic non-malignant blood diseases. * Use genomic approaches to identify genetic variants associated with treatment outcomes and toxicities for individuals with non-malignant blood disease. * Use single cell genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics to investigate biomarkers for disease progression, sickle cell disease (SCD) pain events and the long-term cellular and molecular effects of hydroxyurea therapy. * Using longitudinal assessment of clinical and genetic, study the long-term outcomes and evolving genetic changes in non-malignant blood diseases. Exploratory Objectives * Determine whether analysis of select patient-derived bone marrow hematopoietic progenitor/stem (HSPC) cells or induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells can recapitulate genotype-phenotype relationships and provide insight into disease mechanisms. * Determine whether analysis of circulating mature blood cells and their progenitors from selected patients with suspected or proven genetic hematological disorders can recapitulate genotype-phenotype relationships and provide insight into disease mechanisms.

CD34+ (Non-Malignant) Stem Cell Selection for Patients Receiving Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation

This study's goal is to determine the frequency and severity of acute graft versus host disease, to evaluate incidence of primary and secondary graft rejection, to assess event free survival and overall survival, to determine the time to neutrophil and platelet engraftment, to determine the time to immune reconstitution (including normalization of T, B and natural killer (NK) cell repertoire and Immunoglobulin G production), and to establish the incidence of infectious complications including bacterial, viral, fungal and atypical mycobacterial and other infections following CD34+ selection in children, adolescents and young adults receiving an allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplant from a family member or unrelated adult donor for a non-malignant disease.

Total Lymphoid Irradiation Pre-HSCT in Severe Congenital Neutropenia

Severe congenital neutropenia (SCN) is a group of primary immunodeficiencies caused by distinct gene mutations and characterized by neutrophil maturation impairment, which leads to neutropenia, predisposition to severe bacterial and fungal infections, and myeloid malignancies. Granulocyte-colony stimulation factor is used for pathogenetic therapy, however, no adequate response is seen in some patients. The only curative option for SCN is hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). An indication for HSCT in SCN is: no adequate response to G-CSF therapy, or development of malignancies, or found unfavorable mutations of SCN genes, leading to poor response to G-CSF and high risk of malignant transformation. One of the major peculiarities of HSCT in SCN is a high risk of graft failure. That was described in few studies in SCN transplantation and was also observed in our SCN HSCT cohort. We also consider the role of TCRab/CD19 graft depletion, which is routinely used in our center for GVHD prophylaxis in increased risks of graft failure. Another problem often observed in our patients is the relatively high risks of death of infections, developed after graft failure. Due to predominantly early HSCT graft failure development, non-sufficient immuablation is presumed as the main reason for graft failure. Because of the low level of toxicity, associated with TCRab/CD19 depletion usage, this strategy is planned to be used in the current study. To increase an immunoablative potential of conditioning regimen in SCN, total lymphoid irradiation will be studied in combination with myeloablative agents and standardly used serotherapy.