Primary Central Nervous System LymphomaPhase 1/2NCT04421560
Pembrolizumab, Ibrutinib and Rituximab in PCNSL
A Phase 1/2 study testing Ibrutinib, Pembrolizumab and Rituximab in people with Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma and Recurrent Cancer, run by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute at 4 sites in United States.
Trial summary
This research study is evaluating a combination therapy of 3 drugs as possible treatments for recurrent primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL). The three drugs being used in the study are: Pembrolizumab (MK3475) Ibrutinib Rituximab (or biosimilar) Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 years and older
- Conditions the study is for
- Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma, Recurrent Cancer, Refractory Cancer
- What is being tested?
- Ibrutinib, Pembrolizumab and Rituximab
- Type of treatment
- Pill or oral medicine, Injection or infusion
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 37 participants
- Where
- 4 sitesUnited States
- Study dates
- 1 Aug 2020to 5 Jan 2027
- Phase
- Phase 1/2
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 years and older
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Participant must be able to understand and willing to sign a written informed consent document.
- Participant must have signed and dated an IRB/IEC approved written informed consent form in accordance with regulatory and institutional guidelines. This must be obtained before the performance of any protocol-related procedures that are not part of normal subject care.
- Participant must be willing and able to comply with scheduled visits, treatment schedule, laboratory tests, and other requirements of the study.
- Participant must be at least 18 years old on day of signing informed consent.
- Subjects with pathologically confirmed PCNSL who progressed after CNS-directed therapy, primary refractory disease and relapsed disease are allowed. Participants should have evidence of R/R disease on MRI or CSF cytology. Ocular only recurrences are allowed.
- Subjects must have a Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of 0-1.
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- Life expectancy of >3 months (in the opinion of the investigator)
- Toxicities due to prior therapy must be stable and recovered to ≤ Grade 1
- Must be able to tolerate lumbar puncture and/or Ommaya taps
- Demonstrate adequate organ function as defined below, all screening labs should be performed within 28 days of treatment initiation.
- Hematology
- White Blood Count (WBC) ≥ 2 K/μL
- Platelet count ≥ 100 K/μL
- Absolute Neutrophil Count ≥ 1.5 K/μL
- Hemoglobin > 9.0 g/dL or ≥ 5.6 mmol/L (Criteria must be met without erythropoietin dependency and without packed red blood cell (pRBC) transfusion within last 2 weeks)
- Biochemistry
- Serum creatinine ≤1.5 x institutional ULN OR Measured or calculated creatinine clearance ≥30 mL/min for participant with creatinine levels >1.5 × institutional ULN (Creatinine clearance should be calculated per institutional standard)
- Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ≤ 2.5 x ULN(≤5 × ULN for participants with liver metastases)
- Total bilirubin (TBILI) ≤ 1.5 x institutional ULN (except subjects with Gilbert Syndrome who must have a total bilirubin level of < 3.0 x institutional ULN) OR Direct bilirubin ≤ULN for participants with total bilirubin levels >1.5 × ULN)
- Coagulation studies
- INR OR PT and Activated aPTT ≤1.5 × institutional ULN unless participant is receiving anticoagulant therapy as long as PT or aPTT is within therapeutic range of intended use of anticoagulants
- Women of child-bearing potential (WOCBP), defined as all women physiologically capable of becoming pregnant, must have a negative serum pregnancy test within 72 hours prior to registration.
- Women in the following categories are not considered WOCBP:
- Premenarchal
- Premenopausal female with 1 of the following:
- Documented hysterectomy
- Documented bilateral salpingectomy
- Documented bilateral oophorectomy
- Note: Documentation can come from the site personnel's review of the participant's medical records, medical examination, or medical history interview.
- Postmenopausal female: A postmenopausal state is defined as no menses for 12 months without an alternative medical cause.
- A high follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) level in the postmenopausal range may be used to confirm a postmenopausal state in women not using hormonal contraception or hormonal replacement therapy (HRT). However, in the absence of 12 months of amenorrhea, confirmation with two FSH measurements in the postmenopausal range is required.
- Females on HRT and whose menopausal status is in doubt will be required to use one of the non-hormonal highly effective contraception methods if they wish to continue their HRT during the study. Otherwise, they must discontinue HRT to allow confirmation of postmenopausal status before study enrollment.
- Women of child-bearing potential (WOCBP; see definition above), must agree to use a highly effective method of contraception consistently and correctly as described below during study treatment and for 120 days after study discontinuation.
- 1. Highly Effective Contraceptive Methods That Are User Dependent a (Failure rate of < 1% per year when used consistently and correctly.)
- a. Combined (estrogen- and progestogen- containing) hormonal contraception b, c
- i. Oral
- ii. Intravaginal
- iii. Transdermal
- iv. Injectable
- b. Progestogen-only hormonal contraception b, c
- i. Oral
- ii. Injectable
- 2. Highly Effective Methods That Have Low User Dependency (Failure rate of <1% per year when used consistently and correctly)
- a. Progestogen- only contraceptive implant b, c
- b. Intrauterine hormone-releasing system (IUS) b
- c. Intrauterine device (IUD)
- d. Bilateral tubal occlusion
- e. Vasectomized partner: A vasectomized partner is a highly effective contraception method provided that the partner is the sole male sexual partner of the WOCBP and the absence of sperm has been confirmed. If not, an additional highly effective method of contraception should be used.
- f. Sexual abstinence: Sexual abstinence is considered a highly effective method only if defined as refraining from heterosexual intercourse during the entire period of risk associated with the study treatment. The reliability of sexual abstinence needs to be evaluated in relation to the duration of the study and the preferred and usual lifestyle of the participant.
- NOTES: Use should be consistent with local regulations regarding the use of contraceptive methods for participants of clinical studies.
- Typical use failure rates are lower than perfect-use failure rates (i.e. when used consistently and correctly).
- If hormonal contraception efficacy is potentially decreased due to interaction with study treatment, condoms must be used in addition to the hormonal contraception during the treatment period and for at least during study treatment and for 120 days after study discontinuation after the last dose of study treatment.
- If locally required, in accordance with Clinical Trial Facilitation Group (CTFG) guidelines, acceptable contraceptive implants are limited to those which inhibit ovulation.
- Male participants must agree to use at least one of the following methods of contraception starting with the first dose of study therapy through 120 days after the last dose of therapy:
- 1. Be abstinent from penile-vaginal intercourse as their usual and preferred lifestyle (abstinent on a long term and persistent basis) and agree to remain abstinent
- 2. Use a male condom plus partner use of a contraceptive method with a failure rate of <1% per year as described in Eligibility criterion 3.1.13 when having penile-vaginal intercourse with a woman of childbearing potential who is not currently pregnant.
- a. Note: Men with a pregnant or breastfeeding partner must agree to remain abstinent from penile-vaginal intercourse or use a male condom during each episode of penile penetration.
Who cannot join
- Participants who meet any of the following criteria will not be eligible for admission into the study.
- Patients who cannot undergo MRI brain
- Has received prior therapy with an anti-PD-1, anti-PD-L1, or anti-PD-L2 agent or with an agent directed to another stimulatory or co-inhibitory T-cell receptor (eg, CTLA-4, OX-40,CD137)
- Previously progressed on ibrutinib or other BTK inhibitor use (patient who have previously received BTK inhibitor but not progressed while on it are allowed)
- Patients with > Grade 2 intracranial hemorrhage
- Concomitant warfarin, any other warfarin-derivative anticoagulant, vitamin K antagonists, within 7 days before starting treatment. Note: novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs, e.g., Apixaban, Dabigatran, Edoxaban, Rivaroxaban), low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) are allowed
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- Arterial thromboembolic events such as cerebrovascular accident within 3 months before the start of study treatment
- Active autoimmune disease requiring immunosuppressive agents or steroids (prednisone >10mg or equivalent)
- Has active autoimmune disease that has required systemic treatment in the past 2 years (i.e. with use of disease modifying agents, corticosteroids or immunosuppressive drugs).Replacement therapy (eg., thyroxine, insulin, or physiologic corticosteroid replacement therapy for adrenal or pituitary insufficiency, etc.) is not considered a form of systemic treatment
- Requires treatment for PCNSL with high dose systemic corticosteroids defined as dexamethasone > 4 mg/day or bioequivalent for >3 consecutive days within 2 weeks of registration
- Has received prior systemic anti-cancer therapy including investigational agents within 4 weeks [could consider shorter interval for kinase inhibitors or other short half-life drugs] prior to dosing. OR 5 half-lives, whichever is shorter --- Note: Participants must have recovered from all AEs due to previous therapies to ≤Grade 1 or baseline. Participants with≤Grade 2 neuropathy may be eligible.
- Patients who underwent major surgery ≤ 2 weeks before starting study treatment are excluded. If participant underwent major surgery, they must have recovered adequately from the toxicity and/or complications from the intervention prior to starting study treatment. Patients who plan to undergo surgery within 2 weeks of first dose of study treatment are excluded.
- Participants must have recovered from all radiation-related toxicities, not require corticosteroids, and not have had radiation pneumonitis. A 1-week washout is permitted for palliative radiation (≤2 weeks of radiotherapy) to non-CNS disease. Has received prior radiotherapy to CNS disease within 2 weeks of start of study treatment.
- Has received a live vaccine within 30 days prior to the first dose of study drug. Examples of live vaccines include, but are not limited to, the following: measles, mumps, rubella,varicella/zoster (chicken pox), yellow fever, rabies, Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG), and typhoid vaccine. Seasonal influenza vaccines for injection are generally killed virus vaccines and are allowed; however, intranasal influenza vaccines (eg, FluMist®) are live attenuated vaccines and are not allowed.
- Has a known additional malignancy that is progressing or has required active treatment within the past 3 years. Note: Participants with basal cell carcinoma of the skin, squamous cell carcinoma of the skin, transitional cell carcinoma of urothelial cancer, or carcinoma in situ (e.g. breast carcinoma, cervical cancer in situ) that have undergone potentially curative therapy are not excluded.
- Has severe hypersensitivity (≥ Grade 3) to study agents and/or any of its excipients.
- Has a history of (non-infectious) pneumonitis that required steroids or has current pneumonitis.
- Patient is known to have an uncontrolled active systemic infection (>CTCAE grade 2) and recent infection requiring intravenous anti-infective treatment that was completed ≤14 days before the first dose of study drug.
- Clinically significant cardiovascular disease such as uncontrolled or symptomatic arrhythmias, congestive heart failure (New York Heart Association > Class 2), unstable angina, or myocardial infarction within 6 months of screening, or any Class 3 or 4 cardiac disease as defined by the New York Heart Association Functional Classification
- Uncontrolled hypertension despite optimal medical management (per investigator's assessment).
- Patient has poorly controlled diabetes mellitus with a glycosylated hemoglobin >8% or poorly controlled steroid-induced diabetes mellitus with a glycosylated hemoglobin of >8%.
- Non-healing wound, ulcer or bone fracture.
- Known bleeding diathesis (eg, von Willebrand's disease) or hemophilia.
- Unable to swallow capsules or disease significantly affecting gastrointestinal function, such as malabsorption syndrome, resection of the stomach or small bowel, or complete bowel obstruction.
- Concurrent administration of medications or foods that are moderate or strong inhibitors or strong inducers of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4/5 (need to be discontinued 2 weeks before starting study treatment)
- Enzyme-inducing antiepileptic drugs (EIAED) need to be discontinued and switched to a non-EIAED 2 weeks prior to starting on trial drugs
- Has known history of HIV/AIDS
- Has a known history of Hepatitis B (defined as Hepatitis B surface antigen [HBsAg] reactive) or known active Hepatitis C virus (defined as HCV RNA [qualitative] is detected) infection.
- Has a known history of active TB (Bacillus Tuberculosis)
- Has a history or current evidence of any condition, therapy, or laboratory abnormality that might confound the results of the study, interfere with the subject's participation for the full duration of the study, or is not in the best interest of the subject to participate, in the opinion of the treating investigator
- Has a diagnosis of immunodeficiency or is receiving chronic systemic steroid therapy (in dosing exceeding 10 mg daily of prednisone equivalent)
- Patients who have undergone prior allogeneic stem cell transplant
- Has known psychiatric or substance abuse disorders that would interfere with cooperation with the requirements of the trial
- Is pregnant or breastfeeding or expecting to conceive or father children within the projected duration of the study, starting with the screening visit through 120 days after the last dose of trial treatment
Trial locations and contacts
4 sites in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
United States4 sites, 3 recruiting
- Recruiting
Dana Farber Cancer Institute
Boston, Massachusetts, 02115
Lakshmi Nayak, MD, (617) 632-2166, lnayak2@partners.org
- Recruiting
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Boston, Massachusetts, 02215
Ka-Wai Ho, MD, 617-667-7000
- Withdrawn
Columbia University Medical Center
New York, New York, 10032
- Recruiting
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
New York, New York, 10065
Christian Grommes, MD
About this study
Official title: A Phase Ib/II Study of Pembrolizumab, Ibrutinib and Rituximab in Refractory/Relapsed Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma (PCNSL)
This research study is evaluating a combination therapy of 3 drugs as possible treatments for recurrent primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL).
The three drugs being used in the study are:
- Pembrolizumab (MK3475)
- Ibrutinib
- Rituximab (or biosimilar)
Read the detailed description
This is an open label, multi-center, phase Ib/II trial of Pembrolizumab, Ibrutinib and Rituximab in participants with refractory/relapsed Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma.
- A Phase I clinical trial tests the safety of an investigational intervention and also tries to define the appropriate dose(s) of the investigational intervention to use for further studies.
- Phase II clinical trials test the safety and effectiveness of an investigational intervention to learn whether the intervention works in treating a specific disease. The dose of investigational intervention in Phase II will depend on the results from Phase Ib
- "Investigational" means that the intervention is being studied.
- The FDA (the U.S. Food and Drug Administration) has not approved Pembrolizumab, ibrutinib or rituximab for refractory/relapsed primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) but these have been approved for other uses including other types of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
- Pembrolizumab (MK-3475) has been studied in lab experiments and in other types of cancer, and information from these studies suggests that Pembrolizumab may be beneficial in this type of cancer. Pembrolizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody. An antibody is a common type of protein made in the body in response to a foreign substance. Antibodies attack foreign substances and protect against infection. Antibodies can also be produced in the laboratory for use in treating patients; an antibody that is made in the lab is also known as humanized monoclonal antibody that is designed to block the action of the receptor, PD-1. PD-1 works to help tumor cells continue to grow and multiply. There are now several approved antibodies for the therapy of cancer and other diseases.
- Ibrutinib is a type of drug called a kinase inhibitor. It is believed to block a type of protein called a kinase that helps lymphoma cells live and grow. By blocking this, it is possible that the study drug will kill cancer cells or stop them from growing.
- Rituximab is a type of drug called a monoclonal antibody. An antibody is a common type of protein made in the body in response to a foreign substance. Antibodies attack foreign substances and protect against infection. Rituximab works with the immune system and has shown evidence for clinical activity when administered in combinations to treat lymphoma.
- The research study procedures include: screening for eligibility and study treatment including evaluations and follow up visits.
- The three drugs being used in the study are:
- Pembrolizumab (MK3475)
- Ibrutinib
- Rituximab (or biosimilar)
- Participants will receive study treatment for up to 2 years as long as they do not have serious side effects and their disease does not get worse. Once off study, participants will be followed every 3 months for the rest of their life.
- Phase I Enrollment: Approximately 9 to 12 participants
- Phase II Enrollment :Approximately 25 patients
Merck \& Co., Inc, a pharmaceutical company, is supporting this research study by providing funding for the research study and the study drug, Pembrolizumab (MK-3475)
- Conditions
- Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma, Recurrent Cancer, Refractory Cancer, Relapsed Cancer
- Being tested
- Ibrutinib, Pembrolizumab, Rituximab
- Keywords
- Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma, Recurrent Cancer, Refractory Cancer, Relapsed Cancer
- Medical subject headings
- Recurrence, Neoplasms
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
IbrutinibDrug
Also called Imbruvica
Capsule, taken by mouth daily
PembrolizumabDrug
Also called Keytruda
Given as an intravenous injection through a vein (IV) every 3 weeks
RituximabDrug
Also called Rituxan, Truxima
Given as infusion into a vein (intravenous, IV)
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Pembrolizumab + Ibrutinib + Rituximab | Experimental | Phase 1b
Dose escalation will occur using a standard 3+3 dose-escalation approach, beginning at dose level I (560 mg daily) and potentially escalating to dose level 2 (840mg) with rules for escalation and de-escalation.
* Ibrutinib: orally 2x daily
* Pembrolizumab: 200 mg intravenously every 3 weeks
* Rituximab/biosimilar: 375mg/m^2 intravenously once per week for 4 weeks (4 total doses).
Phase 2
Participants will receive Pembrolizumab, Rituximab and Ibrutinib at the pre-determined dosage level established in Phase 1b.
* Ibrutinib: orally maximum tolerated dose from phase 1 daily (560 mg or 840mg)
* Pembrolizumab: 200 mg intravenously every 3 weeks
* Rituximab/biosimilar: 375 mg/m^2 intravenously once per week for 4 weeks (4 total doses). Receives: Drug: Ibrutinib; Drug: Pembrolizumab; Drug: Rituximab |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Progression-free survival rate 6 months (PFS6)
The primary endpoint of PFS6 will be estimated as a binomial response proportion. The efficacy analysis population will include all evaluable patients (subjects will be considered evaluable for efficacy as long as they have received at least 75% of the planned doses for the 1st 6 weeks of treatment). Patients missing 6 months progression evaluation (for any reason) will be counted as progressors. For the primary analysis, the proportion of progression free patients at 6 months will be evaluated and 95% exact binomial CI will be provided. The Kaplan-Meier method will be used as a secondary approach to evaluate the PFS6 based on the recorded times to progression for each patient, with patients without progression or lost to follow-up being censored at their last follow-up date.
Measured: 6 months
Secondary outcomes (5)
Number of Participants With Treatment-Related Adverse Events CTCAE version 5.0.
All subjects receiving at least 1 dose of study treatment will be evaluated for toxicities. DLT rates will be summarized and 95% exact binomial CI will be reported.
Measured: 24 Months
Objective response rate (ORR)
The objective response rate (ORR) is defined as the proportion of patients with a best response of CR or PR. Objective Response Rate will be reported with 95% exact binomial CI.
OS, PFS and duration of response endpoints will be evaluated by the Kaplan-Meier method and medians will be provided with 95% pointwise CI based on the log-log transformation. For all time to event analysis, patients without event information will be censored at the time of last available data.
Measured: 24 months
Duration of response rate
Duration of response will be defined as the time form initial, complete or partial response to the time of disease progression or death. If a patient does not experience disease progression or death before the end of study, duration of response will be censored at the day of the last tumor assessment.
OS, PFS and duration of response endpoints will be evaluated by the Kaplan-Meier method and medians will be provided with 95% pointwise CI based on the log-log transformation. For all time to event analysis, patients without event information will be censored at the time of last available data.
Measured: 24 Months
Progression-free survival (PFS) Rate
Progression-free survival (PFS) is defined from start date of study treatment to the date of documented progression or death by any cause, whichever comes first.
OS, PFS and duration of response endpoints will be evaluated by the Kaplan-Meier method and medians will be provided with 95% pointwise CI based on the log-log transformation. For all time to event analysis, patients without event information will be censored at the time of last available data.
Measured: 24 Months
Overall survival (OS) Rate
Overall survival (OS) is defined as the time from start date of study treatment to the date of death by any cause. Patients not known to have died will be censored at the time of last assessment or the analysis cut-off whichever comes first.
OS, PFS and duration of response endpoints will be evaluated by the Kaplan-Meier method and medians will be provided with 95% pointwise CI based on the log-log transformation. For all time to event analysis, patients without event information will be censored at the time of last available data.
Measured: 24 Months
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted9 Jun 2020
- Study start1 Aug 2020
- Primary completion5 Dec 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion5 Jan 2027 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Primary Central Nervous System LymphomaStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Dana-Farber Cancer InstituteThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase 1/2
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Not applicable
- Intervention model
- Single group
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 37 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Lakshmi Nayak, MD, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
- Investigators
- Lakshmi Nayak, MD, Principal investigator, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT04421560
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 20-144
- Status last verified
- Oct 2026
- First submitted
- 4 Jun 2020
- Last updated
- 21 Oct 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- Yes
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Yes: The Dana-Farber / Harvard Cancer Center encourages and supports the responsible and ethical sharing of data from clinical trials. De-identified participant data from the final research dataset used in the published manuscript may only be shared under the terms of a Data Use Agreement. Requests may be directed to: \[contact information for Sponsor Investigator or designee\]. The protocol and statistical analysis plan will be made available on Clinicaltrials.gov only as required by federal regulation or as a condition of awards and agreements supporting the research.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 21 Oct 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- A Phase Ib/II Study of Pembrolizumab, Ibrutinib and Rituximab in Refractory/Relapsed Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma (PCNSL)
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT04421560
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- 20-144
- Conditions
- Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma, Recurrent Cancer, Refractory Cancer, Relapsed Cancer
- Keywords
- Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma, Recurrent Cancer, Refractory Cancer, Relapsed Cancer
- Phase
- Phase 1/2
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 37 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Dana-Farber Cancer InstituteUniversity, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC
- Study start
- 1 Aug 2020 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 5 Dec 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 5 Jan 2027 (estimated)
- First posted
- 9 Jun 2020 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This research study is evaluating a combination therapy of 3 drugs as possible treatments for recurrent primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL).
The three drugs being used in the study are:
- Pembrolizumab (MK3475)
- Ibrutinib
- Rituximab (or biosimilar)
Detailed description
This is an open label, multi-center, phase Ib/II trial of Pembrolizumab, Ibrutinib and Rituximab in participants with refractory/relapsed Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma.
- A Phase I clinical trial tests the safety of an investigational intervention and also tries to define the appropriate dose(s) of the investigational intervention to use for further studies.
- Phase II clinical trials test the safety and effectiveness of an investigational intervention to learn whether the intervention works in treating a specific disease. The dose of investigational intervention in Phase II will depend on the results from Phase Ib
- "Investigational" means that the intervention is being studied.
- The FDA (the U.S. Food and Drug Administration) has not approved Pembrolizumab, ibrutinib or rituximab for refractory/relapsed primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) but these have been approved for other uses including other types of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
- Pembrolizumab (MK-3475) has been studied in lab experiments and in other types of cancer, and information from these studies suggests that Pembrolizumab may be beneficial in this type of cancer. Pembrolizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody. An antibody is a common type of protein made in the body in response to a foreign substance. Antibodies attack foreign substances and protect against infection. Antibodies can also be produced in the laboratory for use in treating patients; an antibody that is made in the lab is also known as humanized monoclonal antibody that is designed to block the action of the receptor, PD-1. PD-1 works to help tumor cells continue to grow and multiply. There are now several approved antibodies for the therapy of cancer and other diseases.
- Ibrutinib is a type of drug called a kinase inhibitor. It is believed to block a type of protein called a kinase that helps lymphoma cells live and grow. By blocking this, it is possible that the study drug will kill cancer cells or stop them from growing.
- Rituximab is a type of drug called a monoclonal antibody. An antibody is a common type of protein made in the body in response to a foreign substance. Antibodies attack foreign substances and protect against infection. Rituximab works with the immune system and has shown evidence for clinical activity when administered in combinations to treat lymphoma.
- The research study procedures include: screening for eligibility and study treatment including evaluations and follow up visits.
- The three drugs being used in the study are:
- Pembrolizumab (MK3475)
- Ibrutinib
- Rituximab (or biosimilar)
- Participants will receive study treatment for up to 2 years as long as they do not have serious side effects and their disease does not get worse. Once off study, participants will be followed every 3 months for the rest of their life.
- Phase I Enrollment: Approximately 9 to 12 participants
- Phase II Enrollment :Approximately 25 patients
Merck \& Co., Inc, a pharmaceutical company, is supporting this research study by providing funding for the research study and the study drug, Pembrolizumab (MK-3475)
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Not applicable
- Intervention model
- Single group
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 1
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Pembrolizumab + Ibrutinib + Rituximab | Experimental | Drug: Ibrutinib, Drug: Pembrolizumab, Drug: RituximabPhase 1b Dose escalation will occur using a standard 3+3 dose-escalation approach, beginning at dose level I (560 mg daily) and potentially escalating to dose level 2 (840mg) with rules for escalation and de-escalation. * Ibrutinib: orally 2x daily * Pembrolizumab: 200 mg intravenously every 3 weeks * Rituximab/biosimilar: 375mg/m^2 intravenously once per week for 4 weeks (4 total doses). Phase 2 Participants will receive Pembrolizumab, Rituximab and Ibrutinib at the pre-determined dosage level established in Phase 1b. * Ibrutinib: orally maximum tolerated dose from phase 1 daily (560 mg or 840mg) * Pembrolizumab: 200 mg intravenously every 3 weeks * Rituximab/biosimilar: 375 mg/m^2 intravenously once per week for 4 weeks (4 total doses). |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (57 listed)
- Participant must be able to understand and willing to sign a written informed consent document.
- Participant must have signed and dated an IRB/IEC approved written informed consent form in accordance with regulatory and institutional guidelines. This must be obtained before the performance of any protocol-related procedures that are not part of normal subject care.
- Participant must be willing and able to comply with scheduled visits, treatment schedule, laboratory tests, and other requirements of the study.
- Participant must be at least 18 years old on day of signing informed consent.
- Subjects with pathologically confirmed PCNSL who progressed after CNS-directed therapy, primary refractory disease and relapsed disease are allowed. Participants should have evidence of R/R disease on MRI or CSF cytology. Ocular only recurrences are allowed.
Key exclusion criteria (34 listed)
- Participants who meet any of the following criteria will not be eligible for admission into the study.
- Patients who cannot undergo MRI brain
- Has received prior therapy with an anti-PD-1, anti-PD-L1, or anti-PD-L2 agent or with an agent directed to another stimulatory or co-inhibitory T-cell receptor (eg, CTLA-4, OX-40,CD137)
- Previously progressed on ibrutinib or other BTK inhibitor use (patient who have previously received BTK inhibitor but not progressed while on it are allowed)
- Patients with > Grade 2 intracranial hemorrhage
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| IbrutinibAlso: ImbruvicaCapsule, taken by mouth daily | Drug | Pembrolizumab + Ibrutinib + Rituximab |
| PembrolizumabAlso: KeytrudaGiven as an intravenous injection through a vein (IV) every 3 weeks | Drug | Pembrolizumab + Ibrutinib + Rituximab |
| RituximabAlso: Rituxan, TruximaGiven as infusion into a vein (intravenous, IV) | Drug | Pembrolizumab + Ibrutinib + Rituximab |
Primary outcome
Progression-free survival rate 6 months (PFS6)
Time frame: 6 months
The primary endpoint of PFS6 will be estimated as a binomial response proportion. The efficacy analysis population will include all evaluable patients (subjects will be considered evaluable for efficacy as long as they have received at least 75% of the planned doses for the 1st 6 weeks of treatment). Patients missing 6 months progression evaluation (for any reason) will be counted as progressors. For the primary analysis, the proportion of progression free patients at 6 months will be evaluated and 95% exact binomial CI will be provided. The Kaplan-Meier method will be used as a secondary approach to evaluate the PFS6 based on the recorded times to progression for each patient, with patients without progression or lost to follow-up being censored at their last follow-up date.
5 secondary outcomes
Number of Participants With Treatment-Related Adverse Events CTCAE version 5.0.
Time frame: 24 Months
Objective response rate (ORR)
Time frame: 24 months
Duration of response rate
Time frame: 24 Months
Progression-free survival (PFS) Rate
Time frame: 24 Months
Overall survival (OS) Rate
Time frame: 24 Months
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 21 Oct 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Yes. The Dana-Farber / Harvard Cancer Center encourages and supports the responsible and ethical sharing of data from clinical trials. De-identified participant data from the final research dataset used in the published manuscript may only be shared under the terms of a Data Use Agreement. Requests may be directed to: [contact information for Sponsor Investigator or designee]. The protocol and statistical analysis plan will be made available on Clinicaltrials.gov only as required by federal regulation or as a condition of awards and agreements supporting the research.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
Lakshmi Nayak, MD principal investigator
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
4 sites in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A Phase 1/2 study testing Ibrutinib, Pembrolizumab and Rituximab in people with Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma and Recurrent Cancer, run by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute at 4 sites in United States.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 57 inclusion and 34 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 21 Oct 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 4 sites in United States. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
What does this combined phase mean?
Phase 1 studies test a treatment in a small group of people for the first time or in a new way, mainly to check safety and find the right dose.
Phase 2 studies give the treatment to a larger group to see whether it has the intended effect and to keep checking safety.
Not every study follows the same path, and some studies (observational studies, device studies) have no phase.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Lakshmi Nayak, MD ((617) 632-2166, lnayak2@partners.org), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Progression-free survival rate 6 months (PFS6) (time frame: 6 months). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 21 Oct 2026.