Epigenetic Priming for Acute Myeloid Leukemia
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests whether epigenetic priming with azacitidine or decitabine before chemotherapy benefits people with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The goal is to determine the safety of this approach and its impact on outcomes like survival rates and disease control. Participants will be randomly assigned to different treatment groups to compare effects. This trial targets patients with AML or related conditions who have not undergone extensive prior treatment. As a Phase 2 trial, the research focuses on assessing the treatment's effectiveness in an initial, smaller group.
Do I need to stop my current medications to join the trial?
The trial protocol does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but it does mention that you cannot use other chemotherapy, radiation, or immunotherapy during the study. It's best to discuss your current medications with the trial team.
Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?
Research has shown that azacitidine is generally well-tolerated by patients with various conditions. In studies, about 60.5% of patients treated with azacitidine experienced side effects, such as low levels of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell, which can increase the risk of infections. However, no unexpected safety issues have been reported when azacitidine is combined with other treatments.
For decitabine, less specific information is available. Generally, when a treatment reaches this stage of clinical trials, existing safety data suggests it is reasonably well-tolerated in humans. However, due to limited data on decitabine, participants should discuss potential side effects with their healthcare provider before joining a trial.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial's treatments?
Researchers are excited about the treatments Azacitidine and Decitabine for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) because they work uniquely by modifying the gene expression through epigenetic changes. Unlike traditional chemotherapy that directly kills cancer cells, these treatments target the DNA methylation process to reactivate tumor suppressor genes, potentially making cancer cells more sensitive to other therapies. Additionally, when combined with sorafenib, these treatments target specific genetic mutations like FLT3-ITD, offering a more tailored and potentially effective approach for patients with these mutations. This innovative strategy could lead to better outcomes and fewer side effects compared to conventional treatments.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for acute myeloid leukemia?
Research has shown that azacitidine (AZA), one of the treatments in this trial, may help treat acute myeloid leukemia (AML). In certain studies, azacitidine has successfully helped high-risk AML patients live longer. For instance, one study found that after 12 months, 88.2% of patients were still alive, and 85.5% had not experienced a return of the disease. Another study demonstrated that taking 75 mg/m² of azacitidine daily for seven days was effective for high-risk patients.
Decitabine (DAC), another treatment option in this trial, is also under study for AML. Although less detailed information exists about decitabine compared to azacitidine, it works by altering DNA to slow cancer cell growth. This suggests it could be beneficial when combined with chemotherapy. Both treatments in this trial aim to reduce cancer and help AML patients live longer.678910Who Is on the Research Team?
Raul C. Ribiero, MD
Principal Investigator
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for patients under 22 years old with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia or high-grade myelodysplastic syndrome, without prior treatment except possibly one dose of intrathecal therapy and certain emergency treatments. They must not have Down syndrome, certain other leukemias or bone marrow syndromes, uncontrolled infections, or be pregnant.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Epigenetic Priming
Participants receive 5 days of single agent DMTi (azacitidine or decitabine) prior to chemotherapy blocks
Induction Chemotherapy
Participants receive Induction I and II chemotherapy with cytarabine, daunorubicin, etoposide, and other agents
Intensification Chemotherapy
Participants receive Intensification I, II, and III chemotherapy based on risk stratification
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Azacitidine
- Decitabine
Azacitidine is already approved in European Union, United States, Canada, Japan for the following indications:
- Acute myeloid leukemia
- Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia
- Myelodysplastic syndromes
- Myelodysplastic syndromes
- Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia
- Myelodysplastic syndromes
- Acute myeloid leukemia
- Myelodysplastic syndromes
- Acute myeloid leukemia
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Lead Sponsor