Non-Therapeutic Protocol
HUSTLE: Long Term Effects of Hydroxyurea Therapy in Children with Sickle Cell Disease
Type of Protocol/Clinical Study
Associated Hematology Studies
Description
Many years of study have documented the severe effects of sickle cell disease. Some of these effects include hemolysis (the break down of red blood cells), blockages in the blood vessels, and damage to the organ systems of the body. Hydroxyurea, which is given by mouth, is used to effectively prevent blockages in the blood vessels of patients with sickle cell disease. The hydroxyurea dosage varies and the responses of the body to this drug are not well understood.
This study will follow sickle cell patients being treated with hydroxyurea for a long period of time to evaluate the long-term cellular and molecular effects of the drug on the patients’ body. This study will consist of two patient groups. One group will be made up of patients who have received hydroxyurea therapy before entering the study. The second group will be made up of patients who have not received hydroxyurea before study entry.
Objectives
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To study the long-term effects that hydroxyurea has on the blood cells of patients with sickle cell disease
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To study the body’s response to hydroxyurea therapy in children with sickle cell disease
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To describe how the body uses hydroxyurea, and the long-term effects it has on the function of the brain, spleen, kidney, and lungs
Eligibility
Only current St. Jude patients are eligible.
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Patients from birth up to age 30 years
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Diagnosis of sickle cell disease
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Patients who are receiving hydroxyurea therapy or plan to begin hydroxyurea therapy within 3 months
Principal Investigator
Kerri Nottage, MD
The above information is intended to provide only a basic description about a research protocol that may be currently active at St. Jude. The details made available here may not be the most up-to-date information on protocols used by St. Jude. To receive full details about a protocol and its status and or use at St. Jude, a physician must contact St. Jude directly.