Lymphoma encompasses more than 70 types of blood cancer starting in the lymphatic system. Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma represent the two main groups. Treatment depends on type and stage, ranging from watch-and-wait for slow-growing forms to combination chemotherapy and immunotherapy for aggressive disease. Many people with lymphoma are now cured or live for years with their disease controlled.
What's actually going on in research
Trials are testing CAR T-cell therapy for more types of lymphoma, bispecific antibodies that redirect immune cells to attack cancer, antibody-drug conjugates that deliver chemotherapy precisely to lymphoma cells, and checkpoint inhibitors. Researchers are also studying combinations that might work for people whose lymphoma returns after initial treatment or for subtypes with fewer good options.
CAR T-cell therapy expansion
CAR T-cell therapy, already approved for certain aggressive lymphomas, is being tested earlier in treatment and for additional lymphoma types. Trials are also exploring off-the-shelf versions that don't require making cells from each person's immune system.
Bispecific antibodies
Drugs like mosunetuzumab and epcoritamab connect lymphoma cells to T cells, forcing the immune system to attack cancer. These off-the-shelf treatments may offer an alternative to CAR T for some people.
Antibody-drug conjugates
Drugs like polatuzumab vedotin attach chemotherapy to an antibody that finds lymphoma cells. This approach delivers treatment directly to cancer while sparing healthy tissue.
What to know before you search
Eligibility typically depends on lymphoma subtype, stage, number and type of prior treatments, and whether disease has returned or never responded to treatment.
What types of trials are currently open
- Immunotherapy trials — Testing CAR T-cell therapy, bispecific antibodies, and checkpoint inhibitors that help the immune system recognize and destroy lymphoma cells.
- Targeted therapy trials — Testing drugs that block specific proteins driving lymphoma growth, such as BTK inhibitors for certain B-cell lymphomas.
- Combination trials — Testing new drug combinations to see if they work better than current regimens, especially for lymphoma that returns after treatment.
- Maintenance trials — Testing whether continuing treatment after initial response can prevent lymphoma from coming back.
- Minimal residual disease trials — Using sensitive tests to detect tiny amounts of remaining lymphoma and guide treatment decisions.
Recently added Lymphoma trials
Take a modified chemotherapy regimen for relapsed lymphoma
This Phase III randomized controlled trial evaluates the effectiveness and toxicity profile of a modified DHAP regimen compared to the standard DHAP regimen in adult patients with relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). The DHAP regimen (cisplatin, cytarabine, dexamethasone) is widely used as salvage therapy but is associated with significant toxicities, including renal dysfunction and severe myelosuppression. The modified DHAP protocol fractionates cisplatin and cytarabine administration to reduce nephrotoxicity, improve tolerability, and potentially allow outpatient treatment. A total of 74 patients will be randomized (37 per arm) to receive either the modified or standard DHAP regimen. The primary endpoint is overall response rate (ORR) assessed by RECIL 2017 criteria. Secondary endpoints include progression-free survival (PFS), toxicity incidence and severity graded by CTCAE, and quality of life measured by EORTC QLQ-C30. The study anticipates that the modified DHAP regimen will demonstrate comparable or superior efficacy with reduced severe toxicities, shorter hospital stays, and improved patient satisfaction. Findings may support transitioning DHAP into outpatient administration, optimizing healthcare resource utilization in Pakistan.
Take a new drug combined with chemotherapy for T-cell lymphoma
In this study, the XNW5004 tablets combined with CHOP/CHOEP will be used for the treatment of newly diagnosed PTCL patients.
Find Lymphoma trials matched specifically to you
Answer 3 quick questions and we'll show you trials that fit your situation.