Abatacept for Blood Cancers

This trial tests the safety of a new treatment approach for people with blood cancers. It uses a drug called abatacept, an immunosuppressant, along with other medications to prevent graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) after a stem cell transplant. The trial seeks adults with blood cancers who can provide a specific type of cord blood needed for the transplant. Researchers will closely monitor participants' responses to the treatment over 18 months. As an Early Phase 1 trial, this research aims to understand how the treatment works in people, offering participants the opportunity to be among the first to receive this new approach.

The trial information does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. However, if you are taking any investigational medications (those not approved by the FDA), you should discuss this with the trial's principal investigator to determine your eligibility.

Research has shown that abatacept, a medication for rheumatoid arthritis, has a safety record similar to a placebo regarding overall cancer risk. Some studies noted a slightly higher risk of certain cancers, such as lung cancer, but these results were not consistent across all studies. Generally, patients tolerate abatacept well. This is important because the treatment in this trial uses abatacept as part of a combination to prevent graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) after a stem cell transplant. While some risk exists, evidence suggests that abatacept is generally safe for people.¹²³⁴⁵

Researchers are excited about using Abatacept for blood cancers because it offers a novel approach to preventing graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) after stem cell transplants. Unlike traditional treatments that primarily focus on suppressing the immune response with drugs like tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil, Abatacept works by specifically targeting and modulating T-cell activation, reducing the risk of GVHD more precisely. This targeted mechanism has the potential to improve transplant outcomes and reduce complications, making it a promising addition to existing therapies.

Research has shown that abatacept can improve survival rates for patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HCT). In this trial, participants will receive a regimen that includes abatacept combined with tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil following an omidubicel transplantation. One study found that abatacept makes the procedure safer and potentially more accessible for patients receiving transplants from donors who are not a perfect match (7 out of 8 matched unrelated donors). Abatacept also reduces the risk of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), a common issue where the donor's cells attack the patient's body. This makes it a promising option for blood cancer patients undergoing stem cell transplants. Although abatacept is primarily used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, its benefits in transplant situations are becoming clearer.¹³⁶⁷⁸