Research cancelled

The purpose of this study is to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of mesenchymal stem cells (IT-MSC) in patients with active, advanced cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy (cALD).

This is a single-institution dose escalation study to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of intrathecally administered allogeneic, 3rd party mesenchymal stem cells (IT-MSC) in patients with active, advanced cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy (cALD).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age ≥ 4 years at time of study enrollment
• Diagnosis of ALD - the diagnosis of ALD can be made by either biochemical or molecular/genetic evidence (plasma VLCFA or ABCD1 mutation analysis) supportive of ALD as the cause of cerebral demyelination
• Evidence of active cerebral disease - defined as the presence of gadolinium enhancement on a single brain MRI study - MRI used for eligibility determination may be performed at an outside institution; the most recent MRI used to determine eligibility must be within 2 calendar months of the date of enrollment on this study
• ALD MRI (Loes) score ≥ 10
• Off of N-acetylcysteine, systemic immunosuppressive drugs or any other therapeutic intervention (except hydrocortisone and/or fludracortisone for the treatment of adrenal insufficiency) for ≥ 10 days prior to the first IT-MSC dose
• Life expectancy of >6 months as determined by the enrolling researcher and documented in the medical record
• Voluntary written consent provided by parent(s)/guardian(s)

Exclusion Criteria:

• A candidate for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation as determined by the University of Minnesota Inherited Metabolic and Storage Disease group
• Inability to undergo sedation, lumbar puncture or MRI studies for any reason
• Inability to stay in Minnesota for therapy through the day 28 evaluation