Phase II Study of Horse Anti-Thymocyte Globulin (hATG), Cyclosporine, Methylprednisolone, and GCSF (Filgrastim or Pegfilgrastim) in Patients With Aplastic Anemia (AA), or Low/Int-1 Risk Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS)
This phase II trial studies methylprednisolone, horse anti-thymocyte globulin, cyclosporine, filgrastim, and/or pegfilgrastim or pegfilgrastim biosimilar in treating patients with aplastic anemia or low or intermediate-risk myelodysplastic syndrome. Horse anti-thymocyte globulin is made from horse blood and targets immune cells known as T-lymphocytes. Since T-lymphocytes are believed to be involved in causing low blood counts in aplastic anemia and in some cases of myelodysplastic syndromes, killing these cells may help treat the disease. Methylprednisolone and cyclosporine work to suppress immune cells called lymphocytes. This may help to improve low blood counts in aplastic anemia and myelodysplastic syndromes. Filgrastim and pegfilgrastim are designed to cause white blood cells to grow. This may help to fight infections and help improve the white blood cell count. Giving methylprednisolone and horse anti-thymocyte globulin together with cyclosporine, filgrastim, and/or pegfilgrastim may be an effective treatment for patients with aplastic anemia or myelodysplastic syndrome.
• Patients with the diagnosis of MDS (Low, Int-1 by IPSS, or hypocellular) who are either previously treated or untreated are eligible for this trial.
• Patients with the diagnosis of aplastic anemia who are either previously treated or untreated are eligible if they are not currently candidates for an allogeneic stem cell transplant.
• Patients ages 18 years and older are eligible
• Patients must have been off of cytotoxic, immunosuppressive (except steroids), or targeted therapy for at least 2 weeks prior to entering this study, and have recovered from the toxic effects of that therapy to grade 1 or less.
• Adequate organ function as defined below:
‣ liver function (bilirubin \< 2mg/dL, AST \<3 x ULN)
⁃ kidney function (creatinine \< 2.5 x ULN ).
• ECOG performance status of ≤ 2.
• Women of child-bearing potential and men must agree to use adequate contraception (hormonal or barrier method of birth control; abstinence) prior to study entry and for the duration of study participation. Should a woman become pregnant or suspect she is pregnant while participating in this study, she should inform her treating physician immediately.
• A negative urine pregnancy test is required within 1 week for all women of childbearing potential prior to enrolling on this trial.
• Patient must have the ability to understand the requirements of the study and signed informed consent. A signed informed consent by the patient or his legally authorized representative is required prior to their enrollment on the protocol.
⁃ Patients should have an indication for therapy for their disease such as transfusion dependence or morbidity associated with their cytopenia(s) such as bleeding, severe fatigue, or frequent/multiple infections (eg. neutropenia).