Promising new combo tackles rare leukemia complication

NCT ID NCT04679012

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.

Disclaimer Read more

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.

B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia Richter transformation

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Columbia University Medical Center

    RECRUITING

    New York, New York, 10032, United States

    Contact

    Contact

  • Mount Sinai- Icahn School of Medicine

    RECRUITING

    New York, New York, 10029, United States

    Contact

    Contact

  • Ohio state University

    RECRUITING

    Columbus, Ohio, 43210, United States

    Contact

    Contact

  • Weill Cornell Medicine

    RECRUITING

    New York, New York, 10065, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••