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LymphomaFebruary 2021Summary reviewed July 2026

What the MARIETTA Trial Found — Intensive Chemo for Lymphoma Spread to Brain and Spine

Researchers tested a strong combination of chemotherapy drugs followed by a stem cell transplant in 75 people with aggressive B-cell lymphoma that had spread to the brain or spinal cord. After one year, 58% were cancer-free.

What the trial was testing

The MARIETTA enrolled 79 patients with lymphoma. The study was sponsored by International Extranodal Lymphoma Study Group (IELSG) and tracked outcomes across the full group of patients who matched the trial's eligibility profile.

It was initial testing (phase 2). Trials at this stage are designed to produce evidence regulators and physicians can act on — not just observations to follow up later.

What the results showed

58% of patients were cancer-free one year after treatment with this intensive approach.

The Lancet. Haematology · 2021 · NCT02329080

These findings — that more than half remained cancer-free a year after intensive treatment — were published in the The Lancet. Haematology and represent the headline result of the study.

Researchers tracked outcomes across 79 patients enrolled in the trial. The result was consistent enough across the group that the team felt confident reporting it.

What this means for patients

For patients with lymphoma, this result changes the calculus on what to ask their care team about. Whether it changes day-to-day care depends on factors like disease subtype, prior treatments, and where the patient is in their care journey.

What you can do now

This was mid-stage testing and the specific combination is not yet standard care. If you have lymphoma that has spread to your central nervous system, ask your doctor about clinical trials or similar intensive treatments. This condition requires urgent specialist care.

Eligibility for the treatments mentioned above depends on specific test results and clinical history. Bring this summary, the trial name, and your most recent labs or pathology report to your next visit.