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2 Step ATG with Preparative Chemotherapy and Methotrexate for the Prevention of Acute GVHD for Patients Undergoing Myeloablative Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant for Hematopoietic Disorders

Trial Status: active

This phase II trial tests how well 2 step dosing of ATG giving with preparative chemotherapy (cyclophosphamide, thymoglobulin, fludarabine, busulfan and/or total body irradiation) and methotrexate post transplant work to prevent acute graft versus host disease (GVHD) in patients undergoing myeloablative allogenic stem cell transplantation for hematopoietic disorders. Giving high doses of chemotherapy and total-body irradiation before myeloablative allogenic stem cell transplantation helps kill cancer cells in the body and helps make room in the patient's bone marrow for new blood-forming cells (stem cells) to grow. Sometimes the transplanted cells from a donor can attack the body's normal cells (called GVHD). Giving methotrexate after the transplant may reduce the risk for GVHD. ATG is given prior to transplant and works to suppress the immune system and reduce graft versus host disease. Giving a large dose of ATG earlier in the preparative schedule with a smaller dose just prior to transplant may reduce the risk of GVHD in patients undergoing myeloablative allogenic stem cell transplantation for hematopoietic disorders.