Immunotherapy for Hodgkin's Lymphoma
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This study will examine the safety and efficacy of pembrolizumab (MK-3475) in combination with chemotherapy in children and young adults with newly diagnosed classical Hodgkin Lymphoma (cHL) who are slow early responders (SERs) to frontline chemotherapy.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. However, you cannot participate if you are on chronic systemic steroid therapy or any other form of immunosuppressive therapy within 7 days before the first dose of pembrolizumab.
Is immunotherapy for Hodgkin's Lymphoma safe for humans?
How is the drug regimen for Hodgkin's Lymphoma unique?
This drug regimen combines multiple chemotherapy agents, including bleomycin, cyclophosphamide, dacarbazine, doxorubicin, etoposide, prednisone, vinblastine, and vincristine, which are used in various combinations like ABVD and BEACOPP. These combinations are known for their effectiveness in treating Hodgkin's Lymphoma, with ABVD being a standard treatment due to its lower toxicity and reduced risk of long-term side effects compared to other regimens.24678
What data supports the effectiveness of the drug combination used in the Immunotherapy for Hodgkin's Lymphoma trial?
Research shows that combinations like ABVD (doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine) and BEACOPP (bleomycin, etoposide, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, procarbazine, and prednisone) are effective in treating Hodgkin's lymphoma, with high remission and survival rates. These combinations include many of the same drugs used in the trial, suggesting potential effectiveness.29101112
Who Is on the Research Team?
Medical Director
Principal Investigator
Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for children and young adults with classical Hodgkin Lymphoma who are slow to respond to initial chemotherapy. They must have measurable disease, adequate organ function, and agree to specific contraception if applicable. Exclusions include severe allergies to study drugs, certain heart conditions, prior treatments with similar agents or vaccines close to the start of the trial, active infections like HIV or hepatitis, and other health issues that could interfere.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Induction Chemotherapy
Participants receive two 4-week cycles of ABVD or OEPA induction therapy
Treatment
Participants receive pembrolizumab in combination with AVD or COPDAC-28 chemotherapy
Radiotherapy
Participants receive radiotherapy based on PET scan results after chemotherapy
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Bleomycin
- Cyclophosphamide
- Dacarbazine
- Doxorubicin
- Etoposide
- Pembrolizumab
- Prednisone/Prednisolone
- Vinblastine
- Vincristine
Bleomycin is already approved in European Union, United States, Canada for the following indications:
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp.
Lead Sponsor
Chirfi Guindo
Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp.
Chief Medical Officer
Engineering degree from Ecole Centrale de Paris, MBA from New York University Stern School of Business
Robert M. Davis
Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp.
Chief Executive Officer since 2021
J.D. from Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law, MBA from Northwestern University Kellogg Graduate School of Management, Bachelor's in Finance from Miami University
Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC
Lead Sponsor
Chirfi Guindo
Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC
Chief Marketing Officer since 2022
Degree in Engineering from Ecole Centrale de Paris, MBA from New York University Stern School of Business
Robert M. Davis
Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC
Chief Executive Officer since 2021
JD from Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law, MBA from Northwestern University Kellogg Graduate School of Management, Bachelor's in Finance from Miami University