New hope for tough lymphoma: targeted drug combo shows promise in early trial
NCT ID NCT04665765
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026
Summary
This phase 2 trial tests a combination of the targeted drug polatuzumab vedotin with standard chemotherapy (rituximab, ifosfamide, carboplatin, and etoposide) as an initial salvage therapy for patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma that has relapsed or not responded to treatment. The study aims to see how many patients achieve a complete response after two cycles and to monitor for unacceptable toxicities. About 41 participants are being enrolled at City of Hope Medical Center.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
polatuzumab vedotin combined with rituximab, ifosfamide, carboplatin, and etoposide (PolaR-ICE)
What this could lead to
If successful, this combination could offer a more effective salvage therapy for patients whose lymphoma has returned or not responded to initial treatment, potentially improving remission rates before a stem cell transplant.
What could go wrong
This is a small, early-phase (phase 2) study with only 41 participants, so results may not apply broadly. The treatment combines multiple strong drugs, which can cause serious side effects like infections, nerve damage, and low blood counts.
Disclaimer
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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.
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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City of Hope Medical Center
Duarte, California, 91010, United States
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Emory University
Atlanta, Georgia, 30322, United States