What is this study trying to find out about ocular graft-versus-host disease?

This study aims to understand the immunologic changes on the surface of the eye in cancer patients, especially those with ocular graft-versus-host disease (oGVHD). It focuses on identifying risk factors, eye damage mechanisms, drug targets, and the effects of oGVHD over several years. The research is led by the University of Maryland, Baltimore.

Who may be eligible for this ocular graft-versus-host disease clinical trial?

Adults 18 years or older visiting specific eye clinics and able to consent may be eligible. Participants include cancer patients before bone marrow transplant and healthy controls without eye disease or cancer history. Those with recent eye surgery (except cataract or refractive surgery) or vulnerable populations are excluded. Please review eligibility criteria for more details.

Is there any cost to participate in this ocular graft-versus-host disease clinical trial?

Study-related care, including exams and specimen collection, is provided at no cost. However, personal expenses such as travel may vary and are not guaranteed to be covered.

Actively Recruiting

Age: 18Years +

All Genders

Healthy Volunteers

ID04946721

Identifying Novel Treatment Targets and Biomarkers for Ocular Surface Disease in Patients With Ocular Graft vs Host Disease a Biobank Study

Led by University of Maryland, Baltimore · Updated on 2026-02-03

150

Participants Needed

Research Sites

N/A

Total Duration

AI-Summary

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying the immunologic changes on the surface of the eye in cancer patients, focusing especially on those with ocular graft-versus-host disease oGVHD. This observational, natural history study aims to understand risk factors, mechanisms of eye damage, drug targets, and effects of oGVHD on the eye over a period of up to four years. Two groups will participate cancer patients scheduled for bone marrow transplant, who will be evaluated every three months for two years, and healthy control patients without eye disease or cancer history, who will be evaluated every six months. During each visit, standard eye exams will be performed alongside collection of biological specimens such as ocular surface wash, mucocellular material, corneal filaments, impression cytology of conjunctiva, blood, or serum. Participants will attend periodic study visits for clinical exams and specimen collection while receiving their usual care. Researchers will assess various factors including eye disease risk, mechanisms of eye damage, and ocular effects of graft-versus-host disease. The study involves repeated evaluations and biological sampling to track changes over time, with a maximum follow-up of four years.

CONDITIONS

Brief Title

2177GCCC:ID'Ing tx Targets and Biomarkers for Ocular Surface Disease in Pt w/ oGVHD

Who Can Participate

Age: 18Years +

All Genders

Healthy Volunteers

Eligibility Criteria

You may qualify if you...

Adult patients (≥ 18 years of age) who visit the Eye clinic either in the UMGCCC within the UMD Hospital or the UMD Faculty Physicians Ophthalmology Practice at the UMD Professional Building or satellite locations for initial visits or established visits.
The patient must be able to understand and sign and date the informed consent form approved by the IRB.

You will not qualify if you...

Vulnerable populations: neonates, children, prisoners, institutionalized individuals.
Inability or refusal to provide informed consent.
History of ocular surgery (except refractive surgery or cataract surgery).

Research Team

Sarah B Sunshine, MD

Patricia Lesho

Not the Right Trial for You?

Explore thousands of other clinical trials that might be a better match.
Sign up to get personalized trial recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Already have an account? Log in here