This clinical trial is focused on studying treatments for acute lymphoblastic leukemia in children and adolescents. The study aims to explore the effectiveness of different treatment strategies to improve outcomes for patients with this type of cancer. The trial involves several medications, including Oncaspar (pegaspargase), BLINCYTO (blinatumomab), Erwinase (crisantaspase), and other chemotherapy drugs such as prednisolone, etoposide, bortezomib, methotrexate, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, ifosfamide, cytarabine, doxorubicin, fludarabine, mercaptopurine, and tioguanine. Some patients will receive a placebo as part of the study.
The purpose of the study is to determine if adding certain medications or changing the treatment schedule can improve the chances of staying cancer-free for longer periods. The study will compare different groups of patients who receive various combinations of these treatments. For example, one group will receive additional therapy with the drug bortezomib during a phase called consolidation, while another group will receive blinatumomab as part of their treatment plan. The study will also look at whether extending the treatment phase and increasing doses of certain drugs like cyclophosphamide, cytarabine, and 6-mercaptopurine can improve outcomes.
Participants in the study will follow a treatment plan that includes receiving medications through injections or infusions, and some drugs may be taken orally. The study will monitor the participants over time to see how well the treatments work and to check for any side effects. The goal is to find the best treatment approach for children and adolescents with acute lymphoblastic leukemia to improve their chances of recovery and long-term health.
1joining the study
Upon joining the study, the patient will be assessed to confirm eligibility based on the diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia or related conditions.
The patient must be under 18 years of age and have provided written consent for participation.
2induction phase
The induction phase involves initial treatment to reduce leukemia cells. Medications such as prednisolone (oral) and vincristine (intravenous) are administered.
The goal is to achieve remission, where no leukemia cells are detectable.
3consolidation phase
During the consolidation phase, treatment aims to eliminate any remaining leukemia cells. This phase may include medications like methotrexate (intravenous) and cytarabine (intravenous).
The duration and specific medications depend on the patient’s response to the induction phase.
4randomization and additional therapy
Patients are randomized to receive additional therapy based on their risk category. High-risk patients may receive blinatumomab (intravenous infusion) for 28 days per cycle.
Intermediate-risk patients may receive one cycle of blinatumomab as post-reintensification therapy.
5maintenance phase
The maintenance phase involves lower-intensity treatment to prevent relapse. Medications such as mercaptopurine (oral) and methotrexate (oral) are used.
This phase continues for an extended period, often lasting several months to years.
6follow-up and monitoring
Regular follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor the patient’s health and detect any signs of relapse.
The frequency of visits and tests will be determined by the healthcare team based on the patient’s progress.
Who Can Join the Study?
The patient must have been newly diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. From 1st September 2023 onwards, only those with a T-cell phenotype are eligible.
The patient may have been newly diagnosed with mixed phenotype acute leukemia (MPAL), which means the leukemia shows characteristics of more than one type of blood cell. It must meet one of the following criteria:
Biphenotypic with a dominant T or B lineage assignment. From 1st September 2023 onwards, only those with a dominant T lineage assignment are eligible.
Bilineal with a dominant lymphoblastic population. From 1st September 2023 onwards, only T lymphoblastic populations are eligible, or if there is another reasonable reason to treat the patient with an ALL-based therapy regimen.
The patient may have been newly diagnosed with acute undifferentiated leukemia, which means the leukemia cells do not show specific characteristics of any type of blood cell.
The patient must be under 18 years old (up to 17 years and 365 days) at the time of diagnosis.
The patient must be enrolled in a participating center, which means the hospital or clinic is part of the study.
There must be written informed consent for the patient to participate in the trial and for their data to be transferred and processed. This means that the patient or their guardian agrees to the study and understands what it involves.
Who Cannot Join the Study?
Patients who have a different type of leukemia than the one being studied.
Patients who are not within the specified age range for the study.
Patients who have other serious health conditions that might interfere with the study.
Patients who are unable to follow the study procedures or attend required visits.
Patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Patients who have received certain treatments that are not allowed in the study.
Patients who have allergies or reactions to the study medications.
Patients who are participating in another clinical trial at the same time.
Bortezomib is a medication used in this trial to see if it can improve outcomes for children and adolescents with early high-risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia. It is added during an extended phase of treatment to see if it helps in better managing the disease compared to the standard treatment.
Blinatumomab is an immunotherapy drug used in the trial for patients with high-risk or intermediate-risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia. It is given in cycles to see if it can improve the chances of staying disease-free. The trial is testing if adding this medication after initial treatments can lead to better outcomes.
Methotrexate is used in this trial as part of a treatment plan for high-risk patients. It is administered directly into the spinal fluid to help prevent or treat leukemia in the central nervous system. The trial is examining if this approach, combined with other treatments, can improve patient outcomes.
Cyclophosphamide, Cytarabine, and 6-Mercaptopurine are chemotherapy drugs used in the trial for patients with early non-standard risk T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The trial is testing if increasing the doses of these medications during the consolidation phase of treatment can improve the chances of staying disease-free.
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in Children and Adolescents – This is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow, characterized by the overproduction of immature white blood cells called lymphoblasts. It progresses rapidly, leading to a decrease in the number of healthy blood cells, which can cause symptoms such as fatigue, fever, and increased risk of infections. The disease is classified into different risk categories based on genetic factors and response to initial treatment. In some cases, the disease may not respond well to standard treatments, requiring additional therapeutic strategies. The progression of the disease can vary, with some patients experiencing relapses or resistance to treatment. The focus of research is often on improving treatment outcomes and understanding the disease’s behavior in different risk groups.
The website uses cookies to ensure the proper functioning of the site and to analyze internet traffic. Some cookies are essential for using the service and do not require consent. You can accept all cookies or use only the essential ones. Data is processed in accordance with our Privacy Policy. You have the right to withdraw your consent, access, rectify, delete, or limit the processing of your data at any time.