New drug combo aims to tame blood cancer without chemo

NCT ID NCT01446133

Ongoing Disease control Sponsor: M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This phase 2 trial tests lenalidomide and rituximab in 120 people with chronic lymphocytic leukemia or small lymphocytic lymphoma. The goal is to see if this drug combination can control the disease, especially for those who cannot or choose not to have chemotherapy. Participants take lenalidomide daily and receive rituximab infusions over several cycles, with response checked after 3, 6, and 12 cycles.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: lenalidomide and rituximab
What this could lead to: If this works, it could offer a chemotherapy-free option to control CLL/SLL, potentially reducing tumor growth and improving response rates.
What could go wrong: This is a mid-stage trial with 120 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. Side effects from the drug combination could occur, and the treatment may not work for all patients.

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

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia leukemia lymphoma

As listed by the trial registrant

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

LEUKEMIA LYMPHOMA

Contacts and locations

Locations

University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

Houston, Texas, 77030, United States

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