New cocktail aims to tackle tough leukemia
NCT ID NCT03204188
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This phase II study tested a combination of three drugs—ibrutinib, fludarabine, and pembrolizumab—in 15 people with high-risk or relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL). The goal was to see if the combo could produce a complete response, meaning no signs of cancer. Participants took ibrutinib daily, a short course of fludarabine, and pembrolizumab every three weeks for a year. The study is now complete, and results will show how well this approach works for this hard-to-treat group.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
Ibrutinib, fludarabine, and pembrolizumab
What this could lead to
If successful, this combination could offer a more effective treatment option for people with hard-to-treat CLL/SLL, potentially leading to longer remission and a healthier immune system.
What could go wrong
This is a small, early-phase study with only 15 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The drugs can cause serious side effects, and the combination may not work better than existing treatments.
Disclaimer
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This is a summary of
the original study
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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.
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.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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National Institutes of Health Clinical Center
Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, United States