What the trial was testing
The trial enrolled 66 patients with lymphoma. The study was sponsored by MorphoSys and tracked outcomes across the full group of patients who matched the trial's eligibility profile.
It was an early-stage trial — researchers are still confirming safety and getting an early look at how well the treatment works. 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
97% remained cancer-free at 2 years if tumor DNA was undetectable after treatment.
Journal of Clinical Oncology · 2025 · NCT04134936
These findings — that cancer-free at 2 years if circulating tumor DNA was undetectable at end of treatment — were published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology and represent the headline result of the study.
Researchers tracked outcomes across 66 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
Ultra-sensitive tumor DNA (ctDNA) testing for lymphoma is increasingly available at major academic cancer centers and through some commercial labs. The PhasED-Seq method is FDA-cleared for some applications. Ask your hematologic oncologist about whether ctDNA testing is appropriate after treatment.
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.
Open lymphoma trials
Observational Study of Cardiac Arrhythmias During Treatment With BTK Inhibitors or Venetoclax
Background: Bruton s tyrosine kinase inhibitors (BTKi) are used to treat a form of leukemia. But taking BTKi can also increase a person s risk of developing an abnormal heart rhythm. This can cause sudden death. In this natural history study, researchers want to learn how BTKi affects the heart. Objective: To identify and monitor the effects of BTKi on the heart. Eligibility: People aged 18 and older currently receiving or planning to receive BTKi or venetoclax. Design: Participants who have not yet started BTKi will have 2 required clinic visits: 1 before they start taking BTKi, and 1 about 6 months later. Participants who are already taking BTKi will have 1 required visit. Participants will undergo multiple tests: A physical exam, including collection of blood and saliva. A test that measures heart activity via stickers placed on the chest. A test that uses sound waves to capture images of the heart. An exercise stress test that monitors heart activity and blood pressure while the participant works on a treadmill or stationary bike. Sound wave images of the heart may also be taken while the participant exercises. Stress magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be done in place of an exercise test. Participants will lie on a table that slides into a tube. They will be given drugs to stress the heart while images are taken. Participants may wear a device to monitor their heart at home. Participants may have repeat visits if they develop heart symptoms or if they need to stop taking BTKi. They will have follow-up phone calls each year for up to 3 years. ...
Glofitamab Plus Ibrutinib With Obinutuzumab for the Treatment of Patients With Mantle Cell Lymphoma, IGNITE MCL Trial
This phase IB/II trial tests the safety, side effects and effectiveness of glofitamab plus ibrutinib with obinutuzumab for the treatment of patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). Glofitamab is in a class of medications called bispecific monoclonal antibodies. It works by killing cancer cells. A monoclonal antibody is a type of protein that can bind to certain targets in the body, such as molecules that cause the body to make an immune response (antigens). In the body, glofitamab binds to a receptor called CD3 on T-cells (a type of immune cells) and a receptor called CD20 on B-cells, a receptor that is often over-expressed on the surface of cancerous B-cells. When glofitamab binds to CD3 and CD20 receptors, it causes an immune response against the CD20-expressing cancerous B-cells. Ibrutinib is in a class of medications called kinase inhibitors. It works by blocking the action of the abnormal protein that signals cancer cells to multiply. This helps stop the spread of cancer cells. Obinutuzumab is a monoclonal antibody that may interfere with the ability of cancer cells to grow and spread. Glofitamab plus ibrutinib with obinutuzumab may be safe tolerable and/or effective in treating patients with MCL.