Can a common arthritis drug tame CAR-T's dangerous side effects?

NCT ID NCT04150913

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This phase 2 trial tested whether adding the drug anakinra (Kineret) to standard CAR-T cell therapy could prevent nerve toxicity in 15 people with relapsed or refractory non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Participants received anakinra injections for a week alongside their CAR-T infusion. The goal was to reduce severe side effects like confusion or seizures without harming the cancer-fighting power of the treatment.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

Anakinra (Kineret) and axicabtagene ciloleucel (CAR-T cells)

What this could lead to

If it works, this could reduce serious nerve side effects from CAR-T therapy, making the treatment safer for lymphoma patients.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-phase trial with only 15 participants, so results may not apply broadly. The drug may not reduce neurotoxicity as hoped.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

cytokine release syndrome diffuse large B-cell lymphoma high grade B-cell lymphoma non-Hodgkin lymphoma primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma refractory malignant neoplasm relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma toxic encephalopathy

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Dana Farber Cancer Institute

    Boston, Massachusetts, 02215, United States

  • Massachusetts General Hospital

    Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, United States