Promising CLL combo trial halted early — only 5 patients enrolled

NCT ID NCT03514017

Terminated Disease control Sponsor: H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This small Phase 2 trial tested two drugs — ibrutinib and pembrolizumab — in people with untreated high-risk chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The goal was to see if the combination could improve the body's immune function and shrink or control the cancer. However, the study was terminated early after enrolling only 5 participants, so we have very little information about how well it worked or what side effects occurred.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Ibrutinib (Imbruvica) and pembrolizumab (Keytruda)
What this could lead to: If it worked, this combination might improve immune function and control high-risk CLL better than current treatments.
What could go wrong: The trial was terminated early with only 5 participants, so results are very limited. It is unclear if the combination is safe or effective, and it may not work as hoped.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for CHRONIC LYMPHOCYTIC LEUKEMIA are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia bone marrow disorder hematologic disorder leukemia

As listed by the trial registrant

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

CHRONIC LYMPHOCYTIC LEUKEMIA

Contacts and locations

Locations

H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute

Tampa, Florida, 33612, United States

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.