Stem Cell Injection in Cancer Survivors (SENECA)

A Phase I, First-in-Human, Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Study of the Safety and Efficacy of Allogeneic Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Cancer Survivors With Anthracycline-Induced Cardiomyopathy

The primary purpose of this study is to examine the safety and feasibility of delivering allogeneic human mesenchymal stem cells (allo-MSCs) by transendocardial injection to cancer survivors with left ventricular (LV) dysfunction secondary to anthracycline-induced cardiomyopathy (AIC).

The secondary purpose of this study is to obtain preliminary evidence for therapeutic efficacy of allo-MSCs delivered by transendocardial injection to cancer survivors with LV dysfunction secondary to AIC.

Study Overview

• Status: Completed
• Conditions: Cardiomyopathy Due to Anthracyclines
• Intervention / Treatment: Biological: Allo-MSCs; Biological: Placebo

Detailed Description

This phase I, randomized, placebo-controlled, trial will evaluate the safety and feasibility of allo-MSCs administered by transendocardial injection in thirty-seven subjects with anthracycline-induced cardiomyopathy (AIC). The first six subjects received allo-MSC therapy (open label) and were assessed for safety and feasibility of the study procedures. Following 1 month data review of each of the six subjects by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Gene and Cell Therapy Data Safety Monitoring Board; this was followed by a randomized, double-blind clinical trial enrolling thirty-one subjects. These subjects were randomized 1:1 to receive allo-MSCs or placebo. All subjects underwent cardiac catheterization and study product administration using the NOGA Myostar catheter injection system. Subjects are being followed at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 6 months, and 12 months post study product injection. All endpoints are assessed at the 6 and 12 month visits which will occur 180 ±30 days and 365 ±30 days, respectively, after the day of study product injection (Day 0). For the purpose of the safety evaluations and endpoint analysis, the Investigators will utilize an "intention-to-treat" study population. In addition, because this phase I study is the first cell therapy study in this population, at 12 months available standard-of-care medical records for cancer surveillance will be reviewed for cancer recurrence.

• Study Type: Interventional
• Enrollment (Actual): 46
• Phase: Phase 1

Contacts and Locations

Study Locations

• United States
  • California
    • Stanford, California, United States, 94305
      • Stanford University School of Medicine
  • Florida
    • Gainesville, Florida, United States, 32610
      • University of Florida-Department of Medicine
    • Miami, Florida, United States, 33101
      • University of Miami-Interdiciplinary Stem Cell Institute
  • Indiana
    • Indianapolis, Indiana, United States, 46202
      • Indiana Center for Vascular Biology and Medicine
  • Kentucky
    • Louisville, Kentucky, United States, 40202
      • University of Louisville
  • Minnesota
    • Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States, 55407
      • Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation
  • Texas
    • Houston, Texas, United States, 77030
      • Texas Heart Institute

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: 18 years to 79 years (Adult, Older Adult)
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No
• Genders Eligible for Study: All

Description

Inclusion Criteria

To participate, a subject MUST:

1. Be ≥ 18 and < 80 years of age
2. Be a cancer survivor with diagnosis of AIC
3. Have an LVEF ≤ 45% by cMRI
4. Be in NYHA class II-III
5. Have received the initial diagnosis of AIC at least six months earlier and be on stable, optimally-tolerated therapy with beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors/ARBs, and/or aldosterone antagonists for 3 months, unless contraindicated
6. Have a period of at least two years of clinical cancer-free state* and low likelihood of recurrence (a five-year risk of recurrence estimated at 30% or less), as determined by an oncologist, based on tumor type, response to therapy, and negative metastatic work-up at the time of diagnosis (*exceptions to this are carcinoma in situ or fully resected basal and squamous cell cancer of the skin.)
7. Be a candidate for cardiac catheterization

Exclusion Criteria

To participate, a subject MUST NOT HAVE:

1. A life expectancy <12 months
2. A CT scan or baseline cardiac MRI showing new tumor or suspicious lymphadenopathy raising concern of malignancy
3. Presence of obstructive CAD as determined via imaging within 5 years prior to study enrollment provided there have been no symptoms or evidence of CAD since the test
4. Had a previous myocardial infarction
5. A history of radiation therapy AND evidence of constrictive physiology and/or evidence of other patterns of non-ischemic cardiomyopathy on cardiac MRI (e.g., amyloidosis, sarcoidosis, hemochromatosis, pure radiation-induced cardiomyopathy, etc.) not consistent with AIC being the dominant etiology of heart failure
6. Valvular heart disease including 1) mechanical or bioprosthetic heart valve; or 2) severe valvular (any valve) insufficiency/regurgitation within 12 months of consent.
7. Aortic stenosis with valve area ≤ 1.5cm2
8. A history of LV reduction surgery or cardiomyoplasty
9. Evidence of cardiogenic shock
10. A history of ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke within 90 days of baseline testing
11. Liver dysfunction during baseline testing, as evidenced by enzymes (e.g., AST, ALT, alkaline phosphatase) greater than 3 times upper limit of normal
12. Diabetes with poorly controlled blood glucose levels (HbA1c > 8.5%)
13. An underlying autoimmune disorder or current immunosuppressive therapy (e.g., chronic corticosteroid, rheumatologic or immune modulating therapy) or likelihood of use of immunosuppressive therapy during participation in the trial (medications will be considered on a case by case basis)
14. A baseline eGFR <35 ml/min/1.73m2
15. A contrast allergy that cannot adequately be managed by premedication
16. Received gene or cell-based therapy from any source within the previous 12 months
17. A hematologic abnormality during baseline testing as evidenced by hemoglobin < 9 g/dl; hematocrit < 30%; absolute neutrophil count < 2,000 or total WBC count more than 2 times upper limit of normal; or platelet values < 100,000/ul
18. Evidence of active systemic infection at time of study product delivery
19. HIV and/or active HBV or HCV
20. Coagulopathy (INR > 1.5) not due to a reversible cause (e.g., warfarin and/or Factor Xa inhibitors) (see Section 6.4 re: injection procedure and anticoagulation therapy) Note: Subjects who cannot be withdrawn from anticoagulation will be excluded.
21. Presence of LV thrombus

22. Presence of a pacemaker and/or ICD generator with any of the following limitations/conditions:

    • manufactured before the year 2000
    • leads implanted < 6 weeks prior to consent
    • non-transvenous epicardial or abandoned leads
    • subcutaneous ICDs
    • leadless pacemakers
    • any other condition that, in the judgment of device-trained staff, would deem an MRI contraindicated
23. Pacemaker-dependence with an ICD (Note: pacemaker-dependent candidates without an ICD are not excluded)
24. A cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) device implanted < 3 months prior to consent
25. Other MRI contraindications (e.g. patient body habitus incompatible with MRI)
26. An appropriate ICD firing or anti-tachycardia pacing (ATP) for ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia within 30 days of consent
27. Ventricular tachycardia ≥ 20 consecutive beats without an ICD within 3 months of consent, or symptomatic Mobitz II or higher degree atrioventricular block without a functioning pacemaker within 3 months of consent
28. A history of drug abuse (use of illegal "street" drugs except marijuana, or prescription medications not being used appropriately for a pre-existing medical condition) or alcohol abuse (≥ 5 drinks/day for ˃ 3 months), or documented medical, occupational, or legal problems arising from the use of alcohol or drugs within the past 24 months
29. Cognitive or language barriers that prohibit obtaining informed consent or any study elements (interpreter permitted)
30. Participation (currently or within the previous 30 days) in a cardiac related investigational therapeutic (including stem cell based therapies) or device trial
31. Pregnancy, lactation, plans to become pregnant in the next 12 months, or is unwilling to use acceptable forms of birth control during study participation
32. Any other condition that, in the judgment of the Investigator or Sponsor, would be a contraindication to enrollment, study product administration, or follow-up

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Design Details

• Primary Purpose: Treatment
• Allocation: Randomized
• Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
• Masking: Quadruple

Number of Arms

2

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm	Intervention / Treatment
Experimental: Allo-MSCs; Target dose of 100 million allo-MSCs	Biological: Allo-MSCs; 20 transendocardial injections of 0.4ml allo-MSCs administered to the left ventricle via NOGA Myostar injection catheter (single procedure); Other Names: Allogeneic Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Placebo Comparator: Placebo; Buminate solution	Biological: Placebo; 20 transendocardial injections of 0.4ml Buminate solution administered to the left ventricle via NOGA Myostar injection catheter (single procedure); Other Names: Buminate solution

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Proportion of Major Adverse Cardiac Events (MACE)	Proportion of adjudicated events including death, hospitalization for worsening heart failure, and/or other exacerbation of heart failure (non-hospitalization).	Baseline to 12 months
Proportion of Other Significant Clinical Events	Proportion of other significant adjudicated clinical events including: non-fatal stroke, non-fatal MI, coronary artery revascularization, ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation, pericardial tamponade, infectious myocarditis, hypersensitivity reaction, neoplasm, and/or other potential deleterious late effects.	Baseline to 12 months
Subjects With Events Precluding Their Receipt of Product	Number and percent of subjects with events between randomization and study product injection (SPI) that preclude the subject from receiving product.	Randomization to SPI
Subjects Who Receive Less Than 20 Injections During SPI	Number and percent of subjects who receive less than 20 injections during SPI	During SPI procedure
Subjects Who Did Not Receive the Study Product (Either 100 Million Cells or Placebo)	Number and percent of subjects who did not receive the study product (either 100 million cells or placebo)	During SPI procedure
Subjects Who Have at Least One Cardiac MRI Endpoint Measure That is Uninterpretable	Number and percent of subjects who have at least one cardiac MRI endpoint measure that is uninterpretable due to issues related to the device, including, but not limited to, inability to undergo the procedure.	Baseline to 12 months
Subjects Who Fail to Complete Follow-up	Number and percent of subjects who fail to complete follow up	Baseline to 12 months

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Change From Baseline in Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction (LVEF)	Change in left ventricular ejection fraction as assessed via cardiac MRI.	Baseline to 12 months
Change From Baseline in Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction (LVEF)-Trajectory	The change in this measure over time is assessed using a repeated measures linear regression model of trajectory (change over time). If there is no interaction between change over time and treatment a single calculated value is the slope (the change per six months) from the model. If there is an interaction, the p-value for interaction is presented along with two calculated values representing the slope (the change per six months) for each treatment arm from the model.	Assessed as a trajectory (baseline, 6 months, and 12 months)
Change From Baseline in Global Strain (HARP MRI)	Change in global circumferential strain as assessed via cardiac MRI	Baseline to 12 months
Change From Baseline in Global Strain (HARP MRI)-Trajectory	The change in this measure over time is assessed using a repeated measures linear regression model of trajectory (change over time). If there is no interaction between change over time and treatment a single calculated value is the slope (the change per six months) from the model. If there is an interaction, the p-value for interaction is presented along with two calculated values representing the slope (the change per six months) for each treatment arm from the model.	Assessed as a trajectory (baseline, 6 months, and 12 months)
Change From Baseline in Regional Strain (HARP MRI)	Change in regional longitudinal strain as assessed via cardiac MRI	Baseline to 12 months
Change From Baseline in Regional Strain (HARP MRI)-Trajectory	The change in this measure over time is assessed using a repeated measures linear regression model of trajectory (change over time). If there is no interaction between change over time and treatment a single calculated value is the slope (the change per six months) from the model. If there is an interaction, the p-value for interaction is presented along with two calculated values representing the slope (the change per six months) for each treatment arm from the model.	Assessed as a trajectory (baseline, 6 months, and 12 months)
Change From Baseline in Left Ventricular End Diastolic Volume Index (LVEDVI)	Change in left ventricular end diastolic volume index as measured via cardiac MRI	Baseline to 12 months
Change From Baseline in Left Ventricular End Diastolic Volume Index (LVEDVI)-Trajectory	The change in this measure over time is assessed using a repeated measures linear regression model of trajectory (change over time). If there is no interaction between change over time and treatment a single calculated value is the slope (the change per six months) from the model. If there is an interaction, the p-value for interaction is presented along with two calculated values representing the slope (the change per six months) for each treatment arm from the model.	Assessed as a trajectory (baseline, 6 months, and 12 months)
Change From Baseline in Left Ventricular End Systolic Volume Index (LVESVI)	Change in left ventricular end systolic volume index as assessed via cardiac MRI	Baseline to 12 months
Change From Baseline in Left Ventricular End Systolic Volume Index (LVESVI)-Trajectory	The change in this measure over time is assessed using a repeated measures linear regression model of trajectory (change over time). If there is no interaction between change over time and treatment a single calculated value is the slope (the change per six months) from the model. If there is an interaction, the p-value for interaction is presented along with two calculated values representing the slope (the change per six months) for each treatment arm from the model.	Assessed as a trajectory (baseline, 6 months, and 12 months)
Change From Baseline in Left Ventricular Sphericity Index	Change in Left Ventricular Sphericity Index as assessed by cardiac MRI. Sphericity index is the ratio of the long and short axis measurements of the left ventricle.	Baseline to 12 months
Change From Baseline in Left Ventricular Sphericity Index-Trajectory	The change in this measure over time is assessed using a repeated measures linear regression model of trajectory (change over time). If there is no interaction between change over time and treatment a single calculated value is the slope (the change per six months) from the model. If there is an interaction, the p-value for interaction is presented along with two calculated values representing the slope (the change per six months) for each treatment arm from the model. Sphericity index is the ratio of the long and short axis measurements of the left ventricle.	Assessed as a trajectory (baseline, 6 months, and 12 months)
Change From Baseline in Area of Injury	Change in the scar percent (scar mass normalized to left ventricular mass) as assessed via cardiac MRI.	Baseline to 12 months
Change From Baseline in Area of Injury-Trajectory	The change in this measure over time is assessed using a repeated measures linear regression model of trajectory (change over time). If there is no interaction between change over time and treatment a single calculated value is the slope (the change per six months) from the model. If there is an interaction, the p-value for interaction is presented along with two calculated values representing the slope (the change per six months) for each treatment arm from the model.	Assessed as a trajectory (baseline, 6 months, and 12 months)
Change From Baseline in Exercise Tolerance (Six Minute Walk Test)	Change in the distance walked (in meters) as measured by the six minute walk test. Two walk tests were completed at each endpoint visit (separated by 30 min). The average distance of the two walk tests will be used for analysis.	Baseline to 12 months
Change From Baseline in Exercise Tolerance (Six Minute Walk Test)-Trajectory	Change in the distance walked (in feet) as measured by the six minute walk test. Two walk tests were completed at each endpoint visit (separated by 30 min). The average distance of the two walk tests will be used for analysis. The change in this measure over time is assessed using a repeated measures linear regression model of trajectory (change over time). If there is no interaction between change over time and treatment a single calculated value is the slope (the change per six months) from the model. If there is an interaction, the p-value for interaction is presented along with two calculated values representing the slope (the change per six months) for each treatment arm from the model.	Assessed as a trajectory (baseline, 6 months, and 12 months)
Change From Baseline in Minnesota Living With Heart Failure Questionnaire Score	Change in the quality of life summary score as measured by the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire. Minimum and maximum scores for scale are 0 and 105 respectively. Lower scores indicative of better outcome.	Baseline to 12 months
Change From Baseline in Minnesota Living With Heart Failure Questionnaire Score-Trajectory	The change in this measure over time is assessed using a repeated measures linear regression model of trajectory (change over time). If there is no interaction between change over time and treatment a single calculated value is the slope (the change per six months) from the model. If there is an interaction, the p-value for interaction is presented along with two calculated values representing the slope (the change per six months) for each treatment arm from the model. Minimum and maximum scores for scale are 0 and 105 respectively. Lower scores indicative of better outcome.	Assessed as a trajectory (baseline, 6 months, and 12 months)
Change From Baseline in N-Terminal Pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide (NT-proBNP)	Change in N-Terminal pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide (NT-proBNP) as measured via laboratory blood draw	Baseline to 12 months
Change From Baseline in N-Terminal Pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide (NT-proBNP)-Trajectory	The change in this measure over time is assessed using a repeated measures linear regression model of trajectory (change over time). If there is no interaction between change over time and treatment a single calculated value is the slope (the change per six months) from the model. If there is an interaction, the p-value for interaction is presented along with two calculated values representing the slope (the change per six months) for each treatment arm from the model.	Assessed as a trajectory (baseline, 6 months, and 12 months)
Cumulative Days Alive and Out of Hospital for Heart Failure	Days alive and out of hospital for heart failure during the study evaluation period. Subjects were allotted a visit window extending 30 days past their anticipated 12-month visit (i.e., 395 days).	Baseline to End of 12 Month Visit Window (i.e. 395 days after intervention)

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston
• Collaborators: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)

Publications and helpful links

General Publications

• Psaltis PJ, Carbone A, Nelson AJ, Lau DH, Jantzen T, Manavis J, Williams K, Itescu S, Sanders P, Gronthos S, Zannettino AC, Worthley SG. Reparative effects of allogeneic mesenchymal precursor cells delivered transendocardially in experimental nonischemic cardiomyopathy. JACC Cardiovasc Interv. 2010 Sep;3(9):974-83. doi: 10.1016/j.jcin.2010.05.016.
• Nazarian S, Halperin HR. How to perform magnetic resonance imaging on patients with implantable cardiac arrhythmia devices. Heart Rhythm. 2009 Jan;6(1):138-43. doi: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2008.10.021. Epub 2008 Oct 22. No abstract available.
• Bolli R, Hare JM, Henry TD, Lenneman CG, March KL, Miller K, Pepine CJ, Perin EC, Traverse JH, Willerson JT, Yang PC, Gee AP, Lima JA, Moye L, Vojvodic RW, Sayre SL, Bettencourt J, Cohen M, Ebert RF, Simari RD; Cardiovascular Cell Therapy Research Network (CCTRN). Rationale and Design of the SENECA (StEm cell iNjECtion in cAncer survivors) Trial. Am Heart J. 2018 Jul;201:54-62. doi: 10.1016/j.ahj.2018.02.009. Epub 2018 Apr 4.

Helpful Links

• Cardiovascular Cell Therapy Research Network
• National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start (Actual): August 1, 2016
• Primary Completion (Actual): November 1, 2019
• Study Completion (Actual): April 20, 2020

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: July 23, 2015
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: July 23, 2015
• First Posted (Estimate): July 27, 2015

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Actual): November 5, 2020
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: October 13, 2020
• Last Verified: October 1, 2020

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Keywords: Breast Cancer; Lymphoma; Cardiomyopathy; Leukemia; Chemotherapy; Allogeneic; Sarcoma; Anthracyclines; Mesenchymal stem cells; Cancer survivors; MSCs; AIC
• Additional Relevant MeSH Terms: Heart Diseases; Cardiovascular Diseases; Cardiomyopathies
• Other Study ID Numbers: HSC-SPH-15-0443; 5UM1HL087318 (U.S. NIH Grant/Contract)