Dolutegravir Versus Dolutegravir in Combination With Tenofovir for the Treatment of HTLV-1 Infection
For patients and families
In plain language
An automatic summary of structured registry data. It is an orientation aid, not a substitute for the official protocol or a physician assessment.
- What is being studied
- The protocol lists: Combination of Dolutegravir + Tenofovir DF for treatment of HTLV-1 infection, Dolutegravir (DTG).
- Who it may be relevant to
- Registry conditions: HTLV-1 Infection, HTLV I Associated Myelopathies, HTLV I Associated T Cell Leukemia Lymphoma, Neuritis. Basic parameters: from 18 years · All.
- What needs checking
- Age, condition and sex are only basic indicators. Prior treatment, laboratory values and other mandatory requirements appear in the eligibility criteria below.
- Where it takes place
- Brazil
- Next step
- Save the trial, show it to the treating physician, and confirm current recruitment with the study center. Costs, documents and travel →
Unsure about the terms? Read our patient guide →
Official title
Dolutegravir Versus Dolutegravir in Combination With Tenofovir for the Treatment of HTLV-1 Infection (DOT-H): an Open-label, Randomized, Controlled Study.
Overview
This phase 2b, open-label, randomized controlled trial evaluates the efficacy and safety of dolutegravir (DTG) alone versus dolutegravir combined with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) in individuals with HTLV-1 infection and associated clinical manifestations. The primary objective is to compare changes in HTLV-1 proviral load at 24 and 48 weeks. Secondary outcomes include clinical, functional, immunological, and quality-of-life measures.
Detailed description
Human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) infection is a neglected condition associated with severe neurological and hematological diseases, including HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP). Currently, no effective antiviral therapy exists.
Preclinical and clinical data suggest that integrase inhibitors such as dolutegravir may reduce HTLV-1 proviral load. Additionally, combination therapy with tenofovir may enhance antiviral activity. This study builds on prior pilot data demonstrating partial virological response to DTG.
Participants will be randomized (1:1) to receive DTG alone or DTG plus TDF for 48 weeks. Outcomes will include virological, immunological, clinical, and patient-reported measures. The study aims to provide evidence for therapeutic strategies targeting HTLV-1.
Interventions
- Combination product Combination of Dolutegravir + Tenofovir DF for treatment of HTLV-1 infection
In a previous study Dolutegravir was able to reduce HTLV-1 proviral load, but a few patients did not respond to therapy. We intend to use a combination of Dolutegravir + TDF to improve the response rate. There is no previous evidence on the use of such combination for treating HTLV-1 infection. - Drug Dolutegravir (DTG)
Active comparator will be DTG, 50 mg/day
Primary outcome measures
- HTLV-1 Proviral Load [Time frame: From baseline to the end of treatment at 48 weeks]
- Changes in Pain intensity (DN4 doleur scale) [Time frame: Baeline, 24 and 48 weeks]
- Changes in Spasticity [Time frame: BL, 24 and 48 weeks]
- Changes in muscle strenght [Time frame: BL, 24 and 48 weeks]
- Changes in motor score scales [Time frame: BL, 24, 48 weeks]
Secondary outcome measures (3)
- Nocturia frequency [Time frame: Baseline, 24 and 48 weeks]
- Cytokines levels [Time frame: BL, 24 and 48 weeks]
- RAND 36-Item Health Survey [Time frame: Baseline and at 48 weeks]
Eligibility criteria
Inclusion criteria
- Age equal or higher than 18 years
- Confirmed HTLV-1 infection
- Clinical manifestation atributable to HTLV-1
- Ability to provide written informed consent
Exclusion criteria
- Active HIV, HCV (RNA+), or HBV (HBsAg+) infection
- Active tuberculosis
- Recent corticosteroid use
- Renal impairment (CrCl <50 mL/min)
- Autoimmune diseases
- Wheelchair-bound individuals
- Active malignancy (except ATLL)
- Substance abuse interfering with adherence
- Any condition compromising safety
Criteria are shown verbatim from the registry (in English). Final eligibility is always assessed by the study center.
Healthy volunteers: No
Study design
- Allocation
- Randomized
- Model
- Parallel assignment
- Masking
- Single blind
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
Study locations
Brazil · 1 center
- Hospital Universitário Professor Edgard Santos — Salvador
Publications
- Marino-Merlo F, Balestrieri E, Matteucci C, Mastino A, Grelli S, Macchi B. Antiretroviral Therapy in HTLV-1 Infection: An Updated Overview. Pathogens. 2020 May 1;9(5):342. doi: 10.3390/pathogens9050342. PMID 32369988
- Fernandez T, Marconi C, Montano-Castellon I, Deminco F, Brites C. A Systematical Review on ART Use in HTLV Infection: Clinical, Virological, and Immunological Outcomes. Pathogens. 2024 Aug 27;13(9):721. doi: 10.3390/pathogens13090721. PMID 39338913
- Fernandez T, Arriaga MB, Mayoral R, Netto EM, Brites C. Dolutegravir use is related to lower HTLV-1 proviral load in people co-infected by HIV-1. Commun Med (Lond). 2025 Dec 18;6(1):54. doi: 10.1038/s43856-025-01312-9. PMID 41413309
- Brites C, Montano-Castellon I, Arriaga MB, Marconi C, Mayoral R, Luz E, Figueredo CA, Fiuza BSD, Netto EM. Dolutegravir Reduces Human T-Cell Lymphotropic Virus Type 1 Proviral Load and Improves Neurological Outcomes in a Phase 2 Controlled Trial. Clin Infect Dis. 2026 May 20;82(5):e910-e920. doi: 10.1093/cid/ciag163. PMID 41834485
Identifiers
NCT: NCT07555431 · FBAI-001/26