Stem cell transplant with a new immune-fighting approach for children with hard-to-treat cancers

This trial is testing a specialized stem cell transplant approach for children and young adults with cancers that have come back or stopped responding to standard treatment. The transplant uses cells from a half-matched family member (usually a parent) that have been specially filtered in the lab to reduce side effects. Patients also receive zoledronate, a medication that helps strengthen bones, given five times over several months after the transplant.

Many children with relapsed or hard-to-treat cancers run out of options with standard chemotherapy and radiation. This trial explores whether a specially prepared stem cell transplant from a half-matched family donor—combined with zoledronate—can be safer and more effective than older transplant methods, giving these children a better chance at long-term survival.