JCAR017 for Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma

(TRANSCEND FL Trial)

This trial tests a treatment called JCAR017 (a type of CAR T-cell therapy) for individuals with certain types of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, specifically follicular lymphoma (FL) and marginal zone lymphoma (MZL), that have not responded well to previous treatments. The goal is to assess the effectiveness and safety of JCAR017 for these conditions. Participants will first receive chemotherapy to prepare their bodies, followed by an infusion of JCAR017. This trial may suit those recently diagnosed with FL or MZL who have tried other treatments, including anti-CD20 and alkylating agents, but still experience their lymphoma. As a Phase 2 trial, the research focuses on measuring the treatment's effectiveness in an initial, smaller group of people.

The trial information does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. However, since the treatment involves chemotherapy and cell therapy, it's possible that some medications might need to be adjusted. Please consult with the trial coordinators for specific guidance.

Research has shown that JCAR017, also known as lisocabtagene maraleucel or liso-cel, holds promise for safety in treating certain types of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Earlier studies revealed that most patients tolerated this treatment well. For instance, many patients with marginal zone lymphoma (MZL) responded positively, indicating the treatment's effectiveness and manageability for many individuals.

JCAR017 is unique because it uses a cutting-edge approach called CAR T-cell therapy, which reprograms a patient's own immune cells to specifically target and destroy cancer cells in Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Unlike conventional treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation, which can affect both healthy and cancerous cells, JCAR017 provides a more targeted attack, minimizing damage to normal cells. This precision in targeting cancer cells is what excites researchers, as it holds the promise of being more effective with potentially fewer side effects compared to existing therapies.

Research shows that JCAR017, also known as lisocabtagene maraleucel, holds promise for treating non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, particularly when other treatments have failed. Studies found that 95.5% of patients with relapsed or hard-to-treat marginal zone lymphoma (MZL) responded well to this treatment. This is significant because traditional treatments often result in less than 7% of patients fully responding when chemotherapy fails. In this trial, participants will receive JCAR017 after a preparatory regimen of fludarabine and cyclophosphamide. The treatment involves infusing specially modified immune cells to target and destroy cancer cells. Early evidence suggests these positive responses can be strong and long-lasting, offering new hope for patients with challenging types of lymphoma.¹⁵⁶⁷⁸