Evaluation of the effect of human chorionic gonadotropin in stem cell transplantation as a novel approach for pretransplant mobilization - TROFOSTEM

Detalii
Accesări: 1108

SIGLA TROFOSTEM 1

Project title: Evaluation of the effect of human chorionic gonadotropin in stem cell transplantation as a novel approach for pretransplant mobilization

Contract nr. PD 202 ⁄ 2020

Project Code: PN-III-P1-1.1-PD-2019-1095

Acronym: TROFOSTEM

Executive summary

Stem cell transplantation is a potentially curative procedure for several hematological and solid cancers. Still, this approach doesn’t come without important morbidity as a consequence to compatibility issues and procedural related complications, most of them being caused by insufficient mobilization of stem cells, intensive mieloablative regimens, graft rejection and graft vs host disease (GVHd). Given the ever-increasing number of required stem cell transplantation for patients without human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-matched donors, graft rejection and GVHd remain important complications that compromise post-transplant survival even in patients receiving thorough immunosuppressive treatments. Approaches of enhancing compatibility between the donor and the recipient for stem cell transplantation patients represent a close perspective in cancer treatment. In this project we will evaluate human chorionic gonadotropin as a novel mobilization agent for progenitor cells prior to stem cell transplantation based on our previous results in vitro on cell lines where it has shown an effect of promoting the proliferation of more primitive and potent stem cells with increased immune tolerance. Using the commercially available form of recombinant hCG currently used in assisting fertility (eg. Ovitrelle, Pregnyl), the drug with no important side effects and a good safety profile will be tested for efficacy on stem cell proliferation, transplantation and induction of tolerance in an animal model (mice) setting the premises of its validation in a phase I-II clinical trial for safety and effective doses.

Project budget: 246.950 RON

Implementation team:

- Project director: Dr. Cismaru Cosmin Andrei
- Project mentor: Dr. Tomuleasa Ionuț-Ciprian

Host institution: University of Medicine and PĂharmacy “Iuliu Hațieganu” Cluj-Napoca

Implementation locations:

- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine.
- Research Center for Advanced Medicine “MEDFUTURE”

Awards, publications and posters