Active clinical trials for "Myelodysplastic Syndromes"

Blood cancers occur when the molecules that control normal cell growth are damaged. Many of these changes can be detected by directly examining parts of the cancer or cells in blood. Several alterations that occur repeatedly in certain types of blood cancers have already been identified, and these discoveries have led to the development of new drugs that target those alterations. More remain to be discovered. Some of these abnormalities include alterations in genes. Genes are the part of cells that contain the instructions which tell the investigators bodies how to grow and work, and determine physical characteristics such as hair and eye color. Genes are composed of DNA letters that spell out these instructions. Studies of the DNA molecules that make up the genes are called "molecular" analyses. Molecular analyses are ways of reading the DNA letters to identify errors in genes that may contribute to an increased risk of cancer or to the behavior of the cancer cells. Some changes in genes occur only in cancer cells. Others occur in the genes that are passed from parent to child. This research study will examine both kinds of genes. The best way to find these genes is to study large numbers of people. The investigators expect that as many 1000 individuals will enroll in this study. This research study is trying to help doctors and scientists understand why cancer occurs and to develop ways to better treat and prevent it. To participate in this study the participant must have cancer now, had it in the past, or are at risk of developing cancer. The participant will not undergo tests or procedures that are not required as part of their routine clinical care. The investigators will ask the participant to provide an additional sample from tissue that is obtained for their clinical care including blood, bone marrow, or tissue sample. The investigators will also ask for a gentle scrape of the inside of their cheek, mouthwash or a skin sample to obtain their germline DNA

Patients with clonal cytopenia of undetermined significance (CCUS) and lower-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) have a life expectancy of 5 to 10 years. Mortality in these patients results from progression of disease to higher-risk MDS or acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and cardiovascular events. Currently there are no FDA-approved treatments with the potential to improve survival of patients with CCUS and lower-risk MDS. Statins are an appealing class of drugs to consider in this situation as preclinical data support their potential to suppress progression of myeloid malignancy, and they have a well-established role in prevention of major cardiovascular events. This is a pilot study to explore the role of statins in treatment of patients with CCUS and lower-risk MDS. In this study, change in variant allele frequency (VAF) of somatic mutations present at diagnosis will be used as a surrogate marker of response to statin therapy. The hypothesis is that the use of statins at diagnosis of CCUS or lower-risk MDS will delay or prevent the expected increase in the VAF of somatic mutations over time.

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are acquired clonal stem cell diseases characterized by hematopoietic cell dysplasia, cytopenia, and the risk of progression to acute myeloid leukemia. In addition to clonal changes in the hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells itself, growing evidence suggests that inflammatory and metabolic changes in the bone marrow microenvironment play an important role in disease development and maintenance of the malignant clone. The positive impact of dietary interventions (e.g. fasting) and physical activity on inflammation and metabolic parameters could be shown in various benign inflammatory disease entities (e.g. atherosclerosis, chronic renal insufficiency, cystic fibrosis etc.). The aim of this study is to describe the hematological, metabolic, inflammatory, and microbiological changes after combined lifestyle-modifying interventions (outpatient physiotherapy and fasting mimicking diet (FMD) in patients with low-risk MDS.

This randomized phase II trial studies the safety and how well multi-peptide cytomegalovirus (CMV)-modified vaccinia Ankara (MVA) vaccine works in reducing CMV complications in patients previously infected with CMV and are undergoing a donor hematopoietic cell transplant. CMV is a virus that may reproduce and cause disease and even death in patients with lowered immune systems, such as those undergoing a hematopoietic cell transplant. By placing 3 small pieces of CMV deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) (the chemical form of genes) into a very safe, weakened virus called MVA, the multi-peptide CMV-MVA vaccine may be able to induce immunity (the ability to recognize and respond to an infection) to CMV. This may help to reduce both CMV complications and reduce the need for antiviral drugs in patients undergoing a donor hematopoietic cell transplant.

This pilot phase II trial studies how well high dose cyclophosphamide, tacrolimus, and mycophenolate mofetil work in preventing graft versus host disease in patients with hematological malignancies undergoing myeloablative or reduced intensity donor stem cell transplant. Sometimes the transplanted cells from a donor can make an immune response against the body's normal cells (called graft versus host disease). Giving high dose cyclophosphamide, tacrolimus, and mycophenolate mofetil after the transplant may stop this from happening.

This randomized phase II trial studies how well vaccine therapy works in reducing the frequency of cytomegalovirus severe infections (events) in patients with hematologic malignancies undergoing donor stem cell transplant. Vaccines made from a peptide may help the body build an effective immune response and may reduce cytomegalovirus events after donor stem cell transplant.

This trial studies how well cognitive behavioral therapy works in helping patients with acute myeloid leukemia or lymphoma with cancer-related fatigue. Behavioral therapy uses methods to help patients change the way they think and act. Behavioral skills may help patients with acute myeloid leukemia or lymphoma cope with anxiety, depression, and other factors that may influence their level of cancer-related fatigue.

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of enhanced haematology palliative care services to the most symptomatic group of blood cancer patients, namely myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). Hypothesis to be tested: To test whether early integration of dedicated palliative care will improve the quality of life, mood and caregiver burden in patients with MDS and AML. Design and subjects: This is a 24-month open-label randomized controlled trial. Subjects include patients with MDS and AML. Study instruments: Interventions will be carried out by a dedicated team comprising palliative care physicians, haematologists, palliative care nurse specialists, and social workers. Outcome measures will be determined using validated questionnaires and data collection tools. Interventions: In this trial, enhanced haematology palliative care integrated to conventional supportive care versus conventional supportive care alone will be compared. Main outcome measures: The primary outcome measures include quality of life, mood and caregiver burden. The secondary outcome measures include number of admissions to acute hospital and intensive care and overall survival.

This clinical trial tests whether a geriatric optimization plan (GO!) works to improve survival in patients over 60 with a hematologic malignancy or bone marrow failure syndrome eligible for allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant. GO! focuses on creating a tailored and specific plan for each patient to make changes in their daily lives. These may include changes to their diet, sleep, activity, medicines, or even referrals to other providers depending on the patient's needs. Studying survival and quality of life in patients over 60 receiving an allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant may help identify the effects of treatment.

This phase II trial studies how well eltrombopag olamine works in improving the recovery of platelet counts in older patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) undergoing induction (the first treatment given for a disease) chemotherapy. Platelet counts recover more slowly in older patients, leading to risk of complications and the delay of post-remission therapy. Eltrombopag olamine may cause the body to make platelets after chemotherapy.