Promising new combo tackles rare leukemia complication

NCT ID NCT04679012

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: Weill Medical College of Cornell University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This phase 2 trial is testing whether adding the drug polatuzumab vedotin to standard chemotherapy can improve remission rates in people with Richter's transformation, an aggressive lymphoma that can develop from chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). About 20 adults with confirmed Richter's transformation will receive up to six cycles of the combination therapy. Researchers will track how many achieve complete remission and monitor side effects over about two years.

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 (Polivy) combined with rituximab, etoposide, prednisone, cyclophosphamide, and hydroxydaunorubicin
What this could lead to: If successful, this could offer a more effective treatment option for Richter's transformation, a rare and aggressive complication of chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-phase (phase 2) study with only 20 participants, so results may not apply broadly. The combination chemotherapy has significant side effects, and the drug may not improve outcomes.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia Richter transformation

As listed by the trial registrant

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

CHRONIC LYMPHOCYTIC LEUKEMIA RICHTER SYNDROME

Contacts and locations

Locations

Columbia University Medical Center
RECRUITING

New York, New York, 10032, United States
Mount Sinai- Icahn School of Medicine
RECRUITING

New York, New York, 10029, United States
Ohio state University
RECRUITING

Columbus, Ohio, 43210, United States
Weill Cornell Medicine
RECRUITING

New York, New York, 10065, United States

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