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Protocol Details

The Gemini Study: Study of the Long-Term Safety and Persistence of Cells Following Cell Transfers or Gene Therapy in Identical Twins Discordant for HIV Infection

This study is NOT currently recruiting participants.

Summary | Eligibility | Citations | Contacts

Summary

Number

02-I-0080

Sponsoring Institute

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)

Recruitment Detail

Type: No longer recruiting/follow-up only
Gender: Male & Female
Min Age: 18
Max Age: N/A

Referral Letter Required

Yes

Population Exclusion(s)

Children

Keywords

Adoptive Immunotherapy;
Anti-Retroviral Medications;
Treatment Strategies;
Natural History

Recruitment Keyword(s)

HIV;
Gemini Study

Condition(s)

HIV Disease

Investigational Drug(s)

None

Investigational Device(s)

None

Intervention(s)

Procedure/Surgery: Blood draw

Supporting Site

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

This study will consolidate under one umbrella protocol all NIH studies of the safety and survival of gene-modified lymphocytes in HIV-infected twins. The major purposes of the current study are to:

- place subjects from the various identical twin cell transfer/gene therapy studies on a single, more uniform schedule of visits;

- examine the long-term safety of apheresis procedures in non-HIV-infected lymphocyte donor twins;

- examine the long-term safety of lymphocytes in HIV-infected lymphocyte recipient twins.

Identical twins enrolled in NIH protocols 93-I-0110, 94-I-0206, 96-HG-0051, and 97-I-0165 involving the transfer of lymphocytes for the treatment of HIV infection are eligible to continue their research participation under the current protocol, 02-I-0080.

Participants will not undergo any additional research procedures in this study. They will continue to take their antiretroviral therapy and will be followed at least once a year, or more often if medically indicated, with a medical history, physical examination and blood tests for routine studies and to determine the number of lymphocytes in the blood. Recipient twins will also have blood levels of gene-modified lymphocytes checked.

Recipient twins will have some blood stored for RCR (replication competent retrovirus) testing, should it become necessary. A special virus was used to insert genes into the donated lymphocytes and, although the virus was rendered incapable of growing in the body, a theoretical risk exists that the virus could mix with other viruses and possibly begin growing or reproducing. If a participant subsequently develops medical problems, the stored blood samples can be checked for RCR to see if it may be a cause of the problem.

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Eligibility

INCLUSION CRITERIA:

Activet participation, in an NIAID/CCMD/NHGRI protocol involving the transfer of unmodified lymphocytes, gene-marked lymphocytes or cells containing potentially therapeutic genes in the treatment of HIV-1 infection (cell donors and recipients were eligible).

Ongoing follow-up with a primary medical care provider who manages the subject's HIV-related and/or other medical conditions.

Agree to comply with study requirements and clinical policies.

Able to provide informed consent.

EXCLUSION CRITERIA:

A history of gross noncompliance with prior NIAID/CCMD protocol requirements that, in the opinion of the Principal Investigator, is likely to seriously compromise the safety or value of an individual's participation in the present protocol.

Refusal to follow Clinical Center policy on partner notification (if HIV-positive).

Refusal to permit research blood specimens to be stored (frozen) for potential future studies, including RCR testing will be excluded (participants who have received gene-modified cells may refuse to have specimens stored for research purposes other than RCR).

Any medical condition that, in the opinion of the Principal Investigator, would make the subject inappropriate for protocol participation (such as anemia or inadequate venous access).

Refusal to allow the NIH research team to exchange pertinent medical information with the subjects primary medical care provider.


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Citations:

Donahue RE, Kessler SW, Bodine D, McDonagh K, Dunbar C, Goodman S, Agricola B, Byrne E, Raffeld M, Moen R, et al Helper virus induced T cell lymphoma in nonhuman primates after retroviral mediated gene transferJ Exp Med 1992 Oct 1;176(4):1125-35 PMID: 1383

Carr A, Cooper DA Adverse effects of antiretroviral therapy [1105297]

Morgan RA Genetic strategies to inhibit HIV Mol Med Today 1999 Oct;5(10):454-8.

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Contacts:

Principal Investigator

Referral Contact

For more information:

Mary E. Wright, M.D.
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
NIHBC 10 - CLINICAL CENTER BG RM 11C103A
10 CENTER DR
BETHESDA MD 20892
(301) 594-6318
marywright@mail.nih.gov

Holly A. Baus, R.N.
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
National Institutes of Health
Building 10
Room 6D44
10 Center Drive
Bethesda, Maryland 20892
(301) 761-6800
holly.baus@nih.gov

Office of Patient Recruitment
National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC)
Building 61, 10 Cloister Court
Bethesda, Maryland 20892
Toll Free: 1-800-411-1222
Local Phone: 301-451-4383
TTY: TTY Users Dial 7-1-1
ccopr@nih.gov

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