NCT00848692

Brief Summary

Based on pilot patient observations,the investigators anticipate that chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) patients may benefit from B-cell depletion therapy. The hypothesis is that at least a subset of CFS patients have an activated immune system involving B-lymphocytes, and that B-cell depletion may alleviate symptoms.

Trial Health

87
On Track

Trial Health Score

Automated assessment based on enrollment pace, timeline, and geographic reach

Enrollment
30

participants targeted

Target at P25-P50 for phase_2

Timeline
Completed

Started Jun 2008

Geographic Reach
1 country

1 active site

Status
completed

Health score is calculated from publicly available data and should be used for screening purposes only.

Trial Relationships

Click on a node to explore related trials.

Study Timeline

Key milestones and dates

Study Start

First participant enrolled

June 1, 2008

Completed
9 months until next milestone

First Submitted

Initial submission to the registry

February 19, 2009

Completed
1 day until next milestone

First Posted

Study publicly available on registry

February 20, 2009

Completed
1.3 years until next milestone

Primary Completion

Last participant's last visit for primary outcome

June 1, 2010

Completed
Same day until next milestone

Study Completion

Last participant's last visit for all outcomes

June 1, 2010

Completed
Last Updated

May 11, 2021

Status Verified

June 1, 2011

Enrollment Period

2 years

First QC Date

February 19, 2009

Last Update Submit

May 10, 2021

Conditions

Keywords

Chronic Fatigue SyndromeCFSMyalgic EncephalomyelitisRituximabB-lymphocyte depletionB-cell depletion

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

  • Symptom alleviation, as compared to baseline, measured by standardized self-reports and quality of life schemes.

    3 months after intervention

Secondary Outcomes (1)

  • Symptom alleviation, as compared to baseline, measured by standardized self-reports and quality of life schemes

    2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 months after intervention

Study Arms (2)

1

EXPERIMENTAL

Rituximab

Drug: Rituximab

2

PLACEBO COMPARATOR

Placebo (saline)

Drug: Saline (NaCl 0,9 %) (placebo)

Interventions

Two infusions of Rituximab 500 mg/m2 (max 1000 mg) given two weeks apart

1

Two infusions of saline (NaCl 0,9 %) given two weeks apart

2

Eligibility Criteria

Age18 Years - 60 Years
Sexall
Healthy VolunteersNo
Age GroupsAdult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

  • verified chronic fatigue syndrome (CDC-criteria)
  • age \>18 and \<60 years
  • informed consent

You may not qualify if:

  • pregnancy or lactation
  • previous malignant disease except basal cell carcinoma of skin and cervical carcinoma in situ
  • previous long-term use of immunosuppressive drugs
  • previous exposure to rituximab
  • endogenous depression
  • multi-allergy with risk of serious drug reaction
  • reduced renal function (creatinin \> 1.2 x UNL)
  • reduced liver function (bilirubin or transaminases \> 1.5 x UNL)
  • known HIV infection
  • signs of active viral infection by pretreatment investigations

Contact the study team to confirm eligibility.

Sponsors & Collaborators

Study Sites (1)

Department of Oncology and Medical Physics, Haukeland University Hospital

Bergen, N-5021, Norway

Location

Related Publications (1)

  • Fluge O, Bruland O, Risa K, Storstein A, Kristoffersen EK, Sapkota D, Naess H, Dahl O, Nyland H, Mella O. Benefit from B-lymphocyte depletion using the anti-CD20 antibody rituximab in chronic fatigue syndrome. A double-blind and placebo-controlled study. PLoS One. 2011;6(10):e26358. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0026358. Epub 2011 Oct 19.

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic

Interventions

RituximabSodium Chloride

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Muscular DiseasesMusculoskeletal DiseasesEncephalomyelitisNeuroinflammatory DiseasesNervous System DiseasesNeuromuscular DiseasesChronic DiseaseDisease AttributesPathologic ProcessesPathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-DerivedAntibodies, MonoclonalAntibodiesImmunoglobulinsImmunoproteinsBlood ProteinsProteinsAmino Acids, Peptides, and ProteinsSerum GlobulinsGlobulinsChloridesHydrochloric AcidChlorine CompoundsInorganic ChemicalsSodium Compounds

Study Officials

  • Olav Mella, MD, PhD

    Department of Oncology and Medical Physics, Haukeland University Hospital

    PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Study Design

Study Type
interventional
Phase
phase 2
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Masking
QUADRUPLE
Who Masked
PARTICIPANT, CARE PROVIDER, INVESTIGATOR, OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
Purpose
TREATMENT
Intervention Model
PARALLEL
Sponsor Type
OTHER
Responsible Party
SPONSOR

Study Record Dates

First Submitted

February 19, 2009

First Posted

February 20, 2009

Study Start

June 1, 2008

Primary Completion

June 1, 2010

Study Completion

June 1, 2010

Last Updated

May 11, 2021

Record last verified: 2011-06

Locations