Shingrix Vaccine for Bone Marrow Transplant Recipients
(Allo Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial evaluates the effectiveness and safety of the Shingrix vaccine for individuals who have undergone a bone marrow transplant. Researchers aim to determine if the timing after the transplant influences the immune response and whether an additional vaccine dose is beneficial. The trial includes participants who have had a stem cell transplant and completed their basic series of Shingrix shots. Participants are grouped based on the time elapsed since their transplant. This study is ideal for those concerned about shingles after a transplant. As a Phase 2 trial, it measures the treatment's effectiveness in an initial, smaller group, providing valuable insights for participants.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. However, if you are on significant immunosuppressive therapy or have been taking prednisone at high doses recently, you may not be eligible to participate.
Is there any evidence suggesting that this treatment is likely to be safe for humans?
Research has shown that the Shingrix vaccine, which helps prevent shingles, is generally safe for people who have had a stem cell transplant. In studies, patients who received the vaccine tolerated it well, experiencing no serious side effects. Specifically, for those who had stem cell transplants, the vaccine did not increase the risk of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), a condition where the immune system attacks the transplanted cells.
The FDA has approved the vaccine for preventing shingles in adults, indicating its safety for most people. Some might experience mild side effects, such as soreness at the injection site, but these usually resolve quickly. Overall, research supports the Shingrix vaccine as a safe choice for those who have had a stem cell transplant.12345Why do researchers think this study treatment might be promising?
Researchers are excited about the Shingrix vaccine for bone marrow transplant recipients because it offers a non-live, recombinant zoster vaccine option, which is crucial for individuals with weakened immune systems. Unlike live vaccines, which are typically avoided in immunocompromised patients due to safety concerns, Shingrix is made from a piece of the varicella-zoster virus and an adjuvant that boosts the immune response without using a live virus. This makes it a safer alternative for preventing shingles in patients who have undergone stem cell transplants. Additionally, Shingrix's ability to stimulate a robust immune response offers the potential for more effective long-term protection against shingles and its complications, such as post-herpetic neuralgia.
What evidence suggests that the Shingrix vaccine could be effective for bone marrow transplant recipients?
Research has shown that the Shingrix vaccine effectively prevents shingles and its complications. For individuals who have undergone an autologous stem cell transplant, two doses of Shingrix have produced strong and lasting immune responses. One study found that the vaccine reduced shingles cases by 68.2%. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends two doses of Shingrix for adults, including those with weakened immune systems. This trial will evaluate the effectiveness of the Shingrix vaccine for individuals who have had an allogeneic stem cell transplant at different time intervals post-transplant.14678
Who Is on the Research Team?
Myron Levin, MD
Principal Investigator
University of Colorado, Denver
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adults aged 18-79 who've had an allogeneic stem cell transplant. They must be 1 year post-transplant and have received two doses of Shingrix vaccine. Women must use contraception and not be pregnant or breastfeeding. Excluded are those with active graft disease, recent high-dose steroids, other immunosuppressants, or vaccines.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive the Shingrix vaccine and are monitored for immunogenicity and safety
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for the occurrence of herpes zoster and post-herpetic neuralgia
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Zoster Vaccine Recombinant
Zoster Vaccine Recombinant is already approved in United States, European Union, Canada for the following indications:
- Prevention of herpes zoster (shingles) in adults aged 50 years and older
- Prevention of herpes zoster (shingles) and postherpetic neuralgia in adults aged 50 years and older
- Prevention of herpes zoster (shingles) in adults aged 50 years and older
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Colorado, Denver
Lead Sponsor
GlaxoSmithKline
Industry Sponsor
Dame Emma Walmsley
GlaxoSmithKline
Chief Executive Officer since 2017
MA in Classics and Modern Languages from Oxford University
Dr. Hal Barron
GlaxoSmithKline
Chief Medical Officer since 2018
MD from Harvard Medical School