Low-dose tocilizumab for a serious lung complication of sickle cell disease
Tests tocilizumab at a small dose for hospitalized people with acute chest syndrome.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Tocilizumab for Acute Chest Syndrome
Key facts
- Where
- Chicago, United StatesSee the site
- Phase
- Phase 2
Where in United States
- University of ChicagoChicago, United StatesTaking people
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- University of Chicago
- Trial code
- NCT05640271
- Record updated
- 15 September 2026
- Original description
The investigators are evaluating the role of a low dose of tocilizumab in treating acute chest syndrome in patients with sickle cell disease. Tocilizumab inhibits interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptors and is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and severe cytokine release syndrome, which can be seen with chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy, and it is also authorized for treatment of COVID-19. Since IL-6 levels are elevated in the sputum of patients with acute chest syndrome, the investigators are hopeful that this will be an effective strategy. The investigators will be looking at how a low dose of tocilizumab affects oxygen status, clinical outcomes, and laboratory markers in patients admitted to the hospital with acute chest syndrome.Read full original descriptionShow less
Low-Dose Tocilizumab for Acute Chest Syndrome in Sickle Cell Disease
The investigators are evaluating the role of a low dose of tocilizumab in treating acute chest syndrome in patients with sickle cell disease. Tocilizumab inhibits interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptors and is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and severe cytokine release syndrome, which can be seen with chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy, and it is also authorized for treatment of COVID-19. Since IL-6 levels are elevated in the sputum of patients with acute chest syndrome, the investigators are hopeful that this will be an effective strategy. The investigators will be looking at how a low dose of tocilizumab affects oxygen status, clinical outcomes, and laboratory markers in patients admitted to the hospital with acute chest syndrome.
Inclusion: Adults ≥ 12 years of age; Prior diagnosis of sickle cell disease (Hb SS, Hb SC, Hb Sb+, and Hb Sb0).
Exclusion: Prior treatment with gene therapy or a stem cell transplant; Current enrollment in a clinical trial involving an FDA-regulated drug or biologic; On active therapy with a Bruton's tyrosine kinase-targeted agent, which include the following: Acalabrutinib, Ibrutinib, Zanubrutinib; On active therapy with a JAK2-targeted agent, which include the following: Baricitinib, Ruxolitinib, Tofacitinib, Upadacitinib; History of tuberculosis (TB); Current neutropenia (absolute neutrophil count \< 1000/mm\^3); Current thrombocytopenia (platelet count \< 50,000 mm\^3); Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) or alanine transaminase (ALT) \> 10 times the upper limit of normal (ULN); Pregnant patients or breastfeeding mothers; Positive purified protein derivative (PPD) TB screening test; Any of the following biologic immunosuppressive agent (and any biosimilar versions thereof) administered in the past 6 months:; Abatacept, Adalimumab, Alemtuzumab, Atezolizumab, Belimumab, Blinatumomab, Brentuximab, Certolizumab, Daratumumab, Durvalumab, Eculizumab, Elotuzumab, Etanercept, Gemtuzumab, Golimumab, Ibritumomab, Infliximab, Inotuzumab, Ipilimumab, Ixekizumab, Moxetumomab, Nivolumab, Obinutuzumab, Ocrelizumab, Ofatumumab, Pembrolizumab, Polatuzumab, Rituximab, Sarilumab, Secukinumab, Tocilizumab, Tositumumab, Tremelimumab, Urelumab, Ustekinumab.