The purpose of this medical research study is to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a new medication called imatinib mesylate in the treatment of Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM). LAM is a rare disease in which abnormal cells (called LAM cells) grow out of control. Over time, LAM cells destroy healthy lung tissue and cause respiratory disease or failure.
Many patients with LAM are currently treated with a medication called sirolimus (rapamycin). Sirolimus slows the growth of LAM cells.
Imatinib mesylate (hereafter called imatinib) is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of some cancers that share common pathways with LAM cells. Laboratory studies suggest that imatinib could completely block the growth of LAM cells through initiation of targeted cell death.
An important purpose of this research is to determine the safety of imatinib in people with LAM. This study will also evaluate the short-term effectiveness of imatinib. Participants will be randomized to receiving imatinib (study medication) or placebo (no treatment) for the 180 day duration of participation. The study is being conducted at the Medical University of South Carolina and at Columbia University in New York (CUMC). Each site will enroll 10 participants.
The goal of this research study is to explore and evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of a 8-week, nurse-led Palliative Care program (SUPPORT-T) delivered over the internet to help educate and support individuals with Progressive Pulmonary Fibrosis (PFF) and their caregivers. In this study, we will enroll 80 PFF patients and 80 careparnters (total N=160 participants) who will then either receive the online SUPPORT-T program or enhanced usual care (educational handouts). At the end of the study, 15 PFF patients and caregivers who received SUPPORT-T and 5 community partners will take part in one-on-one interviews with the researchers to provide their feedback on the program; so as to improve it for a larger study. This study is being conducted by the Medical University of South Carolina in South Carolina and Mount Sinai Hospital in New York.