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A Study Evaluating the Effectiveness of Leuprolide for Enhancing Immune Function After Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation

[Protocol 07-046]

Full Title :
LEUPROLIDE (LHRH AGONIST) TO ENHANCE IMMUNE FUNCTION POST-AUTOLOGOUS STEM CELL TRANSPLANTATION
Purpose :

Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is part of some cancer therapies. However, it destroys most of a patient's immune system, and it usually takes a very long time for the immune system to recover. Helping the immune system recover faster may help the body fight off infection and disease better.

The purpose of this study is to see how well a drug called leuprolide can help the immune system recover after ASCT in patients with hematological cancers. It is a hormonal therapy that works by making the thymus work better. The thymus is an organ that produces T cells -- important infection-fighting white blood cells in the immune system. High levels of sex hormones make the thymus less active. Leuprolide reduces the levels of sex hormones.

Patients will also receive certain vaccinations during the study, and investigators will measure their immune responses.

Eligibility :

To be eligible for this study, patients must meet several criteria, including but not limited to the following:

  • Patients must have lymphoma or multiple myeloma, have had at least a partial response to chemotherapy, and be considered candidates for ASCT.
  • Patients must be physically well enough that they are fully ambulatory, capable of all self care, and are capable of all but physically strenuous activities. As an example, patients must be well enough that they would be able to carry out office work or light housework.
  • One of the vaccinations (KLH) is derived from shellfish. Patients with a shellfish allergy therefore may not participate.
  • Women must be between the ages of 18 and 50 and men must be between the ages of 18 and 60. (Women over age 50 may participate depending on their levels of estradiol and FSH.)

For more information and to inquire about eligibility for this study, please contact Dr. Matthew J. Matasar at 212-639-8889.

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