Experimental combo aims to tame aggressive lymphoma without chemo

NCT ID NCT05495464

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Aug 13, 2026 · Updated 3 times

Summary

This early-phase trial is testing a two-step approach for people with newly diagnosed, high-risk mantle cell lymphoma. First, patients receive a combination of acalabrutinib (a targeted drug) and rituximab (an antibody). Then, they get a one-time infusion of their own genetically modified immune cells (CAR T-cells). The goal is to see if this approach can control the cancer safely. Only 22 participants will be enrolled at a single center.

What this could mean

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

Active substance
Acalabrutinib, rituximab, and brexucabtagene autoleucel (CAR T-cell therapy)
What this could lead to
If successful, this combination could offer a new treatment option for people with high-risk mantle cell lymphoma, potentially improving disease control without needing long-term chemotherapy.
What could go wrong
This is a very early (Phase 1) pilot study with only 22 participants. The treatment may cause serious side effects, and it is not yet known if it will work better than standard therapies.

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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

Locations

  • M D Anderson Cancer Center

    Houston, Texas, 77030, United States

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