All studies
Active not recruitingPHASE2INTERVENTIONAL

Study to Evaluate Imetelstat in Patients With High-Risk MDS or AML Failing HMA-based Therapy

This study, called a Phase 2 trial, is testing a new medicine named imetelstat. It's for adults in the UK who have high-risk Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS) or Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML). These are types of blood and bone marrow cancers. Participants in this study will have already tried other main treatments for their condition (like HMA-based therapy) that didn't work, or stopped working. The main goal is to find out if imetelstat can help improve their blood counts and if it's safe to use. Patients who respond well might continue treatment for longer.

At a glance

Status
Active not recruiting
Phase
PHASE2
Sponsor
GCP-Service International West GmbH
Enrolment target
46
Start
05 Jun 2023
Estimated completion
01 Jun 2026

Results

Results from this study

Posted May 2026

Results have been published for this study.

Primary outcome
Overall Hematological Response Rate of Participants After Treatment With Imetelstat
The combined response assessment criteria for MDS and AML based on IWG (International Working Group) 2018 criteria (MDS) and the criteria of the European LeukemiaNet (AML) will be used to define responders. The response rate is calculated as number of responders divided by the number of all participants of the analysis set.
Full results on the registry

What is this study about?

This clinical trial is exploring a new medicine called imetelstat. It's designed for people living with specific blood cancers: high-risk Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS) or Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML). These conditions affect the bone marrow, which is where new blood cells are made, leading to problems with healthy blood cell production.

The study focuses on patients whose previous standard treatments, known as HMA-based therapies (like azacitidine or decitabine, sometimes with venetoclax), either didn't work, stopped working, or caused severe side effects. The researchers want to see if imetelstat can help improve the patient's blood counts, which is a sign of the treatment working. They will also carefully monitor any side effects to understand how safe the medicine is.

Finding new treatments is very important because not everyone benefits from existing therapies, or their disease might become resistant over time. This study aims to gather important information about imetelstat that could potentially lead to new options for patients who urgently need them.

Key takeaways

  • This study is for specific types of blood cancer: high-risk MDS or AML.
  • It's for people whose previous treatments haven't worked or caused severe side effects.
  • The study tests a new drug called imetelstat.
  • The goal is to see if imetelstat improves blood conditions and is safe.
  • Participation involves regular hospital visits and monitoring.
  • You can stop participating at any time.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you must be at least 18 years old. You need to have been diagnosed with either AML or MDS based on specific medical criteria. A key requirement is that your previous standard treatments (like azacitidine or decitabine, alone or with venetoclax) either haven't worked, stopped working, or you couldn't tolerate them due to side effects. You also need to have at least 5% abnormal cells (blasts) in your bone marrow.

It's important that you are not suitable for a bone marrow transplant from another person. Certain blood test results must fall within specific ranges, and your overall physical well-being, as assessed by doctors, needs to be at a level that allows you to participate safely. You also can't be on other AML/MDS treatments (except for certain blood cell growth factors) for at least 14 days before starting the study.

Women who could become pregnant must use a highly effective form of birth control while in the study. All participants must be able to follow the study schedule, including attending all planned appointments and following all study instructions.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

  1. Are you 18 years old or older?
  2. Do you have high-risk MDS or AML?
  3. Have your previous HMAs treatments not worked or caused severe side effects?
  4. Do you have at least 5% abnormal cells in your bone marrow?
  5. Are you not a candidate for a bone marrow transplant from another person?
Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you'll first go through a screening process to make sure you meet all the requirements. This will involve physical exams, blood tests, and other health checks. If you're eligible, you'll start receiving the study drug, imetelstat sodium. The study drug will be given regularly, and you'll have specific appointments for hospital visits, blood tests, and examinations to see how you're responding and to check for any side effects. These visits will help doctors monitor your progress. If the treatment is helping and you're tolerating it well, you may continue taking imetelstat until your condition progresses or you can no longer tolerate the treatment. The total duration of your participation will depend on how you respond to the treatment.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in a clinical trial has both potential benefits and risks. You might benefit from a new treatment that isn’t widely available, which could improve your condition. However, there's no guarantee the treatment will work for you, and like all medicines, imetelstat may have side effects, some of which could be serious. The study team will explain all known risks and carefully monitor you throughout the trial. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (11)

  • Royal Adelaide Hospital
    Verified postcode
    Adelaide, Australia
  • Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospitals
    Verified postcode
    Brisbane, Australia
  • Linear Clinical Research
    Verified postcode
    Nedlands, Australia
  • CHU Nantes - Hôtel Dieu
    Verified postcode
    Nantes, France
  • Hôpital Archet 1
    Verified postcode
    Nice, France
  • Hôpital Saint-Louis
    Verified postcode
    Paris, France
  • CHU de Toulouse
    Verified postcode
    Toulouse, France
  • Marien Hospital Düsseldorf
    Verified postcode
    Düsseldorf, Germany
  • Universität Jena, Medizinische Fakultät
    Verified postcode
    Jena, Germany
  • Universität Leipzig, Medizinische Fakultät
    Verified postcode
    Leipzig, Germany
  • Klinikum rechts der Isar
    Verified postcode
    München, Germany

Common questions

What is Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) or Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML)?

These are types of blood cancer where the bone marrow, which makes blood cells, doesn't work properly, leading to unhealthy blood cells.

What does 'high-risk' mean?

High-risk means the disease is more aggressive or has a higher chance of getting worse, requiring more intensive treatment.

What is imetelstat?

Imetelstat is an investigational drug, meaning it's still being studied, for treating certain blood cancers.

What are HMA-based therapies?

HMA stands for Hypomethylating Agents. These are common treatments for MDS and AML, such as azacitidine and decitabine.

Can I still take my other medications?

You typically can't be on other AML/MDS treatments for at least 14 days before starting the study drug, though some blood cell growth factors might be allowed.

How to find out more

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.

Discussion

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