Stem cell trick may free kidney patients from daily pills

NCT ID NCT03707262

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: Jeffrey Veale, MD Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether giving a kidney transplant recipient blood stem cells from their sibling donor can train the body to accept the new kidney without lifelong anti-rejection drugs. Fifteen adults receiving a kidney from an identical sibling will get a conditioning regimen of radiation and an immune-suppressing drug, followed by a stem cell infusion. The goal is to see if they can safely stop all immunosuppressive medications one year after transplant.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Donor blood stem cells and immune cells
What this could lead to: If it works, this could allow kidney transplant recipients to stop taking lifelong anti-rejection medications without losing their new kidney.
What could go wrong: This is a very early, small study (15 people) testing a complex procedure. The treatment may fail to create tolerance, and there are risks from radiation, immune suppression, and stem cell infusion.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

acute transplant rejection end stage renal failure transplant rejection

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

KIDNEY TRANSPLANT RENAL TRANSPLANT REJECTION TOLERANCE

Contacts and locations

Locations

University of California, Los Angeles
RECRUITING

Los Angeles, California, 90095, United States

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