The Study Drugs:
Ofatumumab is a human monoclonal antibody for the CD20 protein designed to bind to the surface of some of the white blood cells (B-cells). It can destroy cancer cells that come from B-cells, and can be used to treat cancers of B-cells such as resistant CLL (chronic lymphocytic leukemia).
Etoposide is designed to slow or stop the growth of cancer cells.
Filgrastim promotes the growth of white blood cells, which help to fight infections.
Ifosfamide is designed to slow or stop the growth of cancer cells.
Mesna is a drug that protects bladder cells from damage by the chemotherapy drug ifosfamide. It is used to decrease the risk of bleeding in the bladder.
Treatment Administration:
You will be admitted to the hospital. You will have to stay in the hospital for 4-6 days for this part of the treatment.
On Day 1, you will receive ofatumumab through the CVL over 6-8 hours.
On Days 2, 3, and 4, you will receive ifosfamide and mesna continuously and etoposide every 12 hours. Mesna is given to help decrease the risk of developing side effects.
As an outpatient, you will receive a higher dose of ofatumumab (about 1 week after the first one) through the CVL over 10-12 hours.
Beginning on Day 6, you will get G-CSF (filgrastim) injections (given under the skin) and will continue to be given until enough stem cells have been collected.
Tests and Procedures:
Every day while you are in the hospital, you will have a physical exam and you will be asked about any side effects you may be having. After you are no longer in the hospital, you will have a physical exam and you will be asked about any side effects you may be having when the doctor thinks it is needed.
While you are waiting for enough stem cells to be collected, you will have blood drawn (about 1 tablespoon) for routine tests at least 3 times a week. If your doctor thinks it is needed, you may have blood drawn more often.
Stem Cell Collection:
Blood stem cells will be collected when your blood counts have returned to normal (about 10-16 days after chemotherapy). The process of stem cell collection takes about 4 hours each time. You will have stem cells collected each day until enough are collected (between 1-6 sessions). A machine is attached to the CVL and blood is withdrawn. The blood then flows through the machine, which removes stem cells from the blood. The blood is then returned back to you through the CVL. The stem cells are then frozen and stored. These stem cells will be given back to you after the next phase of treatment to help your blood counts recover after high dose chemotherapy. After enough stem cells have been collected, you will be admitted to the hospital for high dose chemotherapy. You will sign a separate consent before you receive high dose chemotherapy.
During the stem cell collection, blood (about 2 teaspoons) will be drawn through the CVL to check for cell markers that can affect the response of the cell counts and to check the status of the disease.
Length of Study:
Patients will be followed for up to 12 months after the transplant. You will be taken off study early if the stem cell collection does not work.
This is an investigational study. Etoposide and ifosfamide are FDA approved and are commercially available for lymphomas. Ofatumumab has been approved by the FDA for treatment of recurrent refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemias. G-CSF and Mesna are FDA approved and commercially available. The use of Ofatumumab for the collection of stem cells is investigational.
Up to 50 patients will take part in this study. All will be enrolled at MD Anderson.
