Humanized mik-beta-1 mAb(National Cancer Institute)

This study will examine the use of the humanized Mik-beta-1 (Hu-Mik-beta1) antibody in patients with T-cell large granular lymphocytic leukemia (T-LGL). Patients with T-LGL often have reduced white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets, and increased numbers of abnormal cells called large granular lymphocytes (LGLs). Patients may have recurrent infections, anemia, or abnormal bleeding. Hu-Mik-beta1 attaches to LGL cells and blocks the action of growth factors called interleukins that stimulate LGL growth. Blocking these interleukins may stop T-LGL leukemia cells from growing. This study will determine the dose and frequency of treatment with Hu-Mik-(SqrRoot) 1 that can safely be given to patients to coat the surface of their leukemic cells with antibody, determine how long the antibody lasts in the blood after injection, and examine the side effects and possible benefits of the drug in these patients.
Patients age 18 or older with T-LGL may be eligible for this study. Candidates will be screened with a medical history and physical examination, review of pathology studies, skin biopsy, evaluation of rheumatoid arthritis if present, chest x-ray, computerized tomography (CT) scans and other imaging studies as needed, bone marrow biopsy, and blood and urine tests.
Participants will receive a single dose of Hu-Mik-beta1 by a 90-minute infusion through a vein. Groups of patients will be treated with increasing doses (0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 mg/kg) of the antibody. Patients who develop serious drug side effects are taken off the study. The treatment requires a 3- to 4-day hospital stay. In addition to Hu-Mik-(SqrRoot) 1 treatment, patients will undergo the following tests and procedures:
Collection of blood for 8 days following the dose of Hu-Mik-beta1 to measure blood levels of the antibody.
Follow-up visits of 1 to 2 days at 22, 29, and 43 days after the dose of the antibody and then every 3 months for a total of 9 months.
Bone marrow aspirate and biopsy if one has not been done within 6 weeks before entering the study, and a repeat biopsy if complete remission of T-LGL is achieved after completing treatment. For the biopsy, an area of the hip is numbed and a special needle is used to draw bone marrow from the hipbone.
Imaging studies, such as chest x-ray and CT scan of the body after completing treatment if the screening scans showed abnormalities due to the T-LGL leukemia.
Lymph node biopsy in individuals with enlarged superficial lymph nodes due to T-LGL leukemia to see if the treatment is reaching the leukemia in the lymph nodes.
There may or may not be a direct benefit from participating in this study. However, the results may help in the treatment of future patients.

This study will examine the use of the humanized Mik-Beta-1 (Hu Mik-(SqrRoot) 1) monoclonal antibody in patients with HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP). Some patients infected with the human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) virus develop HAM/TSP, a disease in which the immune response to HTLV-1 becomes directed against the person's own body in what is called an autoimmune response. Hu-Mik-Beta-1 is a genetically engineered antibody that blocks the action of a chemical produced by the body during infection or inflammation called interleukin 15 (IL-15). Blocking IL-15 may prevent the autoimmune response that results in HAM/TSP.
Patients 18 years of age and older with HAM/TSP may be eligible for this study. Candidates are screened with a medical history and physical examination, blood and urine tests, and an electrocardiogram. Participants undergo the following procedures:
Baseline visit(s): Repeat physical examination and blood and urine tests, as well as the following:
Lumbar puncture: A local anesthetic is injected to numb the skin of the lower back. A needle is inserted in the space between the bones where the cerebrospinal fluid that bathes the brain and spinal cord circulates below the spinal cord. About 4 tablespoons of fluid is collected through the needle.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): This test uses radio waves and magnets to produce images of body tissues and organs. The patient lies on a table that slides into a metal cylinder surrounded by a strong magnetic field. During part of the scan, a contrast agent is injected to brighten the images.
Apheresis: This procedure is used to collect large quantities of white blood cells. Whole blood is collected through a needle in an arm vein and directed into a machine that separates it into its components by spinning. The white cells and plasma are removed and the rest of the blood (red cells and platelets) is returned to the body through the same needle.
Hu Mik-Beta-1 treatment: Infusions of Hu Mik-Beta-1 are given through a vein every 3 weeks for nine doses. The first treatment requires at least an overnight hospital stay; subsequent infusions are given in the outpatient clinic.
Blood and urine tests and a physical examination at every treatment visit and a skin test at one treatment visit.
Research tests at the end of the 24-week treatment period, including lumbar puncture (spinal tap), MRI scan, and apheresis.
After completing treatment, patients have three follow-up clinic visits for blood and urine tests, and a skin test at one follow-up visit.