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Fetal HemoglobinPhase 2ThalidomideNCT06490601

Long Term Beta Thalassemia Treatment: Findings From The Extension Period

A Phase 2 study testing thalidomide and hydroxyurea and Thalidomide in people with Fetal Hemoglobin and Beta-Thalassemia, run by National Institute of Blood and Marrow Transplant (NIBMT), Pakistan at 1 site in Pakistan.

Active, not recruiting

Under way, not looking for participants. Everyone needed has enrolled. The study is still running.

Official record
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Trial summary

The project, titled "Long Term Beta Thalassemia Treatment: Findings From The Extension Period Of Phase 2 Clinical Trial," aims to compare the efficacy and safety of combination therapy (thalidomide and hydroxyurea) versus thalidomide alone. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 8 to 35 years
What is being tested?
thalidomide and hydroxyurea and Thalidomide
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
30 participants
Where
1 sitePakistan
Study dates
1 Apr 2022to 1 Jul 2025
Phase
Phase 2
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 8 to 35 years
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Child, Adult

Who may be able to join

  • Known case of beta thalassemia major/intermediate (transfusion dependent)
  • Willing to give informed consent

Who cannot join

  • Patients with comorbidities such as liver dysfunction
  • Married patients
  • Lactating mothers
  • History of thrombosis and fits

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

Pakistan1 site
  • National Institute of blood disease and bone marrow transplant

    Karachi, Sindh

Other trials in Pakistan

About this study

Official title: Long Term Comparison of Combination Therapy (Thalidomide and Hydroxyurea) vs Thalidomide Alone in Beta Thalassemia.

The project, titled "Long Term Beta Thalassemia Treatment: Findings From The Extension Period Of Phase 2 Clinical Trial," aims to compare the efficacy and safety of combination therapy (thalidomide and hydroxyurea) versus thalidomide alone. The study, lasting three years, is a Phase 2 single-center, open-label interventional study with a sample size of 30 participants aged 8-35 years. It includes specific inclusion and exclusion criteria for participant selection. Data will be collected through clinical interviews and medical records and analyzed using(Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. This project aims to enhance beta thalassemia treatment strategies, focusing on reducing transfusion dependency and improving patient quality of life.

Read the detailed description

Study titled Long Term Beta Thalassemia Treatment: Findings From The Extension Period Of Phase 2 Clinical Trial, conducted at the National Institute of Blood Disease \& Bone Marrow Transplantation (NIBD \& BMT).

This study focuses on the long-term comparison of combination therapy (thalidomide and hydroxyurea) versus thalidomide alone in treating beta thalassemia. The objective is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the combination therapy compared to thalidomide alone, with the hypothesis that the combination will be more effective. Beta thalassemia is defined as an autosomal recessive disorder affecting beta-globin production, influenced by genetic modifiers. Key variables include hemoglobin, red blood cells, leukocyte count, reticulocyte count, platelets, lactate dehydrogenase, nucleated red blood cells, ferritin, bilirubin, Serum Glutamate Pyruvate Transaminase, creatinine, transfusion frequency, spleen and liver size, hemoglobin subunit beta [ Homo sapiens (human) ] mutation, and certain polymorphism in gamma globin gene . The study took place at NIBD hospital over three years, designed as a Phase 2 single-center, two-arm open-label interventional study with a sample size of 30 participants using simple randomized sampling. Inclusion criteria are beta thalassemia major/intermediate patients aged 8-35 years, while exclusion criteria include patients with liver dysfunction, married patients, lactating mothers, and those with a history of thrombosis and fits. Data will be collected through clinical interviews and medical record reviews and analyzed using (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences.

Being tested
thalidomide and hydroxyurea, Thalidomide
Keywords
thalidomide, safety and efficacy, thalassemia, fetal hemoglobin inducer, hydroxyurea
Medical subject headings
beta-Thalassemia, Hemoglobinopathies, Thalassemia

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • thalidomide and hydroxyureaDrug

    Also called combination therapy in beta thalassemia

    Thalidomide:

    Thalidomide glutarimide is derivation of glutamic acid. Potentiating of fetal hemoglobin expression occurs by up regulation of Erythroid transcription factor and Erythroid Krüppel-like factor expression Furthermore few studies also concluded that thalidomide hypomethylate 27th amino acid in Histone H3 in the gamma globin gene. Initiating cause of this process is suppression of Nuclear factor (kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells) activation by tumor necrosis factor- alpha Vascular endothelial growth factor , Prostaglandin E2 and inflammatory cytokine.

    Hydroxyurea:

    Hydroxyurea or hydroxycarbamide (HU) lies in the category of antimetabolite. Mechanism of fetal hemoglobin induction includes increase in erythropoietin and nitric oxide production, apoptosis induction and potentiating in granulocyte cycling activity.

  • ThalidomideDrug

    Also called fetal hemoglobin inducer

    Thalidomide glutarimide is derivation of glutamic acid. Potentiating of fetal hemoglobin expression occurs by up regulation of Erythroid transcription factor and Erythroid Krüppel-like factor expression Furthermore few studies also concluded that thalidomide hypomethylate 27th amino acid in Histone H3 in the gamma globin gene. Initiating cause of this process is suppression of Nuclear factor (kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells) activation by tumor necrosis factor -alpha , Vascular endothelial growth factor , Prostaglandin E2 and inflammatory cytokine.

    Investigating the impact of thalidomide on transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia patients is essential for discerning its therapeutic efficacy and safety profile.

Study groups in NCT06490601
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
combination therapy (thalidomide and hydroxyurea)ExperimentalIn this group, participants were treated with combination therapy that includes thalidomide and hydroxyurea at the dose of 100mg/day at night with aspirin and 500mg /day respectively.
Receives: Drug: thalidomide and hydroxyurea
thalidomide aloneActive comparatorIn this group, participants were treated with thalidomide at the dose of 100mg/day at night with aspirin.
Receives: Drug: Thalidomide

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. hemoglobin levels

    Measure the improvement in hemoglobin levels Hemoglobin levels will be assessed using a complete blood count (CBC) test, measured in grams per deciliter (g/dL) of blood. This test is conducted through a venous blood sample, which is then analyzed using an automated hematology analyzer to determine the hemoglobin concentration.

    Measured: 3 years

  2. red blood cell count.

    Measure the improvement in red blood cell count. Red blood cell count will be assessed using a complete blood count (CBC) test, measured in millions of cells per microliter (million cells/µL) of blood. This test is conducted through a venous blood sample, analyzed using an automated hematology analyzer to determine the number of red blood cells present.

    Measured: 3 years

  3. leukocyte count

    Measure the effect on in leukocyte count Leukocyte count will be assessed using a complete blood count (CBC) test, measured in thousands of cells per microliter (thousand cells/µL) of blood. This test involves analyzing a venous blood sample with an automated hematology analyzer to determine the total number of white blood cells present.

    Measured: 3 years

  4. reticulocyte count

    Measure the effect on reticulocyte count Reticulocyte count will be assessed using a complete blood count (CBC) test, measured as a percentage of the total red blood cells or as an absolute number per microliter (µL) of blood. This test involves analyzing a venous blood sample with an automated hematology analyzer, which identifies and quantifies reticulocytes using specific staining techniques.

    Measured: 3 years

  5. Transfusion Frequency:

    Document and compare the frequency of blood transfusions required by patients in both treatment arms over the study period.

    Transfusion frequency will be assessed by recording the number of blood transfusions a patient receives over a specified period, such as weekly, monthly, or annually. This data will be collected from patient medical records and/or transfusion logs, ensuring accurate tracking of each transfusion event.

    Measured: 3 years

Secondary outcomes (7)
  1. Spleen and Liver Size

    Measure changes in spleen and liver size as a response to the treatments. Spleen and liver size will be assessed using imaging techniques such as ultrasound.. Measurements will be reported in centimeters (cm), capturing the dimensions of each organ to evaluate any enlargement or abnormalities.

    Measured: 3 years

  2. Serum Ferritin Levels

    Evaluate the effectiveness of the combination therapy in reducing serum ferritin levels, indicating decreased iron overload.

    Serum ferritin levels will be assessed using a blood test, measured in nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL). A venous blood sample will be analyzed in a clinical laboratory using immunoassay techniques to determine the concentration of ferritin, providing an indicator of the body's iron stores.

    Measured: 3 years

  3. Genetic Modifiers:

    Analyze the influence of genetic modifiers. Genetic modifiers will be assessed through genetic testing,e.g thalassemia genetic profile focusing on specific genes or genetic variations known to influence the expression or function of proteins related to the condition under study. This analysis helps identify how genetic factors may modify disease progression, treatment response, or other relevant outcomes.

    Measured: 3 years

  4. bilirubin

    Monitor and compare changes in biochemical parameters such as bilirubin. Bilirubin levels will be assessed through a blood test, typically measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). This test analyzes a venous blood sample to determine the concentration of bilirubin, a pigment produced from the breakdown of red blood cells, providing insights into liver function and potential health conditions such as jaundice or liver disease.

    Measured: 3 years

  5. lactate dehydrogenase.

    Monitor and compare changes in biochemical parameters such as lactate dehydrogenase.

    Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels will be assessed through a blood test, measured in units per liter (U/L). This test analyzes a venous blood sample to determine the concentration of LDH, an enzyme involved in cellular metabolism. Elevated LDH levels may indicate tissue damage or disease.

    Measured: 3 years

  6. Serum Glutamate Pyruvate Transaminase,

    Monitor and compare changes in biochemical parameters such as Serum Glutamate Pyruvate Transaminase. Serum Glutamate Pyruvate Transaminase, also known as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), will be assessed through a blood test, measured in units per liter (U/L). This test analyzes a venous blood sample to determine the concentration of ALT, an enzyme primarily found in the liver cells. Elevated ALT levels may indicate liver damage or disease.

    Measured: 3 years

  7. creatinine

    Monitor and compare changes in biochemical parameters such as creatinine. Creatinine levels will be assessed through a blood test, typically measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or micromoles per liter (µmol/L). This test involves analyzing a venous blood sample to determine the concentration of creatinine, a waste product from muscle metabolism filtered by the kidneys. Monitoring creatinine levels helps evaluate kidney function and detect conditions such as kidney disease or impaired renal function.

    Measured: 3 years

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted8 Jul 2024
  2. Study start1 Apr 2022
  3. Primary completion1 Apr 2024
  4. Study completion1 Jul 2025 (estimated)

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase 2
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Model description
study participants were divided into 2 groups. one was treated with combination therapy that includes thalidomide and hydroxyurea whereas another group was treated with thalidomide alone.
Masking
None (open label)
Enrolment
30 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT06490601
Sponsor's protocol ID
NIBD/IRB-242/12-2022
Acronym
Thalidomide
Status last verified
May 2025
First submitted
21 Jun 2024
Last updated
30 May 2025
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
Undecided: it will decide later.

Publications

  • Ali S, Mumtaz S, Shakir HA, Khan M, Tahir HM, Mumtaz S, Mughal TA, Hassan A, Kazmi SAR, Sadia, Irfan M, Khan MA. Current status of beta-thalassemia and its treatment strategies. Mol Genet Genomic Med. 2021 Dec;9(12):e1788. doi: 10.1002/mgg3.1788. Epub 2021 Nov 5.

    PubMed 34738740

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A Phase 2 study testing thalidomide and hydroxyurea and Thalidomide in people with Fetal Hemoglobin and Beta-Thalassemia, run by National Institute of Blood and Marrow Transplant (NIBMT), Pakistan at 1 site in Pakistan.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 2 inclusion and 4 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: under way, not looking for participants, as of the sponsor's last update on 30 May 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in Pakistan. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

What does this phase mean?

Phase 2 studies give the treatment to a larger group to see whether it has the intended effect and to keep checking safety.

Not every study follows the same path, and some studies (observational studies, device studies) have no phase.

Are results available for this study?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

hemoglobin levels (time frame: 3 years). The study lists 5 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT06490601, which also lists 1 linked publication.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 30 May 2025.

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