Testing two medications together for newly diagnosed blood cancer

Plain-English translation of NCT04908228 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated October 2023 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

Phase 2 — Testing in a bigger group (up to a few hundred people) to see if the treatment actually works and is still safe.

What is this trial?

This trial is testing whether ibrutinib, a targeted cancer medication, combined with obinutuzumab, an antibody therapy, can help people with newly diagnosed chronic lymphocytic leukemia (a slow-growing blood cancer) achieve a state where cancer cells can no longer be detected even with sensitive testing. The study will give these two medications together for 24 months, then stop treatment in patients who respond well to see how long the benefit lasts.

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia is a serious cancer, but researchers believe that using two complementary medications together for a defined period—rather than indefinitely—might help patients achieve deeper remission and potentially allow them to stop treatment while maintaining the benefit.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are at least 18 years old
you have been newly diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia or small lymphocytic lymphoma and have never received treatment for it
your cancer is active and requires treatment based on standard criteria
you are in good enough overall health to tolerate the study medications (your doctor will assess this)
you have measurable lymph node enlargement that can be seen on a CT scan
your blood counts, liver function, and kidney function are adequate enough to safely receive these medications

You likely don't qualify if…

you have received any prior cancer treatment, including chemotherapy, targeted drugs, immunotherapy, or radiation
your cancer has specific high-risk genetic changes (deletion 17p or TP53 mutation)
you have a history of bleeding disorders or have had a stroke or brain hemorrhage in the past 6 months
you have untreated hepatitis B or C, HIV infection, or active infection with these viruses
you have difficulty swallowing pills or have stomach/bowel problems that would prevent you from absorbing oral medications

What participation looks like

You would take ibrutinib as a daily pill for 24 months (two years). Starting in month 13, you would also receive obinutuzumab as an intravenous infusion on a specific schedule for several months. You would have regular clinic visits for blood tests, scans, and check-ins with your doctor throughout the treatment period. If your cancer responds well, you would stop both medications after 24 months and be monitored to see how long the benefit lasts. If your cancer comes back later, you can restart ibrutinib, or if it doesn't respond well, you may continue treatment as your doctor recommends.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 27, 2026 · Not medical advice

Testing two medications together for newly diagnosed blood cancer

What is this trial?

Do you qualify?

What participation looks like

Trial locations