Could a stem cell infusion free kidney transplant patients from lifelong drugs?

NCT ID NCT03943238

First seen Jul 01, 2026 · Last updated Jul 01, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether a special treatment before a kidney transplant can help the body accept the new organ without needing lifelong anti-rejection drugs. Participants receive radiation and immune-suppressing drugs, followed by an infusion of donor stem cells and the patient's own regulatory immune cells (Tregs). The goal is to see if this allows patients to safely stop taking anti-rejection medication after 18 months. The trial involves adults aged 18 to 65 receiving a kidney from a living donor.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

donor hematopoietic stem cells and recipient regulatory T cells (Tregs)

What this could lead to

If successful, this approach could allow kidney transplant recipients to stop taking lifelong anti-rejection drugs, reducing side effects and improving quality of life.

What could go wrong

This is an early-phase trial with a small number of participants. The regimen involves radiation and immune-suppressing drugs, which carry risks of infection and other complications. It may not work for everyone.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

end stage renal failure

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Nothwestern University

    RECRUITING

    Chicago, Illinois, 60611, United States

    Contact

    Contact

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact

  • Stanford University

    RECRUITING

    Palo Alto, California, 94305, United States

    Contact

    Contact

    Contact

    Contact

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact

    Contact

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact

    Contact