NCT06687772 · Washington University School of Medicine
CNS-Relapse Prevention in High-Risk Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma With Thiotepa-based Autologous Stem Cell Transplant
(CNS-PHLAT)
What this study is about
A serious consequence of systemic diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is secondary central nervous system (CNS) relapse, which occurs in approximately 5% of all patients.
View original scientific description
A serious consequence of systemic diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is secondary central nervous system (CNS) relapse, which occurs in approximately 5% of all patients. Many CNS relapses occur within the first year after completion of frontline treatment and are associated with significantly increased mortality; thus, it is important to tailor frontline treatment to provide prophylaxis against CNS relapse in those patients who are determined to be high-risk. Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is standard of care for patients with DLBCL who relapse one year or more after first remission, and it has been shown to improve progression-free survival for patients with primary CNS lymphoma. The four-drug BEAM regimen (carmustine, etoposide, cytarabine, and melphalan) is the preferred conditioning regimen for DLBCL patients undergoing ASCT; however, patients with primary CNS lymphoma receive thiotepa plus carmustine as their conditioning regimen due to its better CNS penetration. This study tests the hypothesis that consolidation thiotepa/carmustine ASCT in first complete remission will reduce the risk of CNS relapse in transplant-eligible patients with DLBCL with no prior CNS disease at high risk of secondary CNS recurrence.
Interventions
DRUG
Thiotepa
Thiotepa will be given intravenously twice daily on Days -5 and -4 over 120 minutes at a dose of 5 mg/kg.
DRUG
Carmustine
Carmustine will be given intravenously on Day -6 over 120 minutes at a dose of 400 mg/m\^2.
PROCEDURE
Autologous Stem Cell Transplant
Infusion of autologous peripheral blood stem cells on Day 0.
DRUG
Anthracycline-based induction chemotherapy
Standard of care, not dictated by protocol.
Primary outcome measures
Feasibility of treatment
Time frame: Through completion of treatment (estimated to be 6 months)
\- The treatment (thiotepa/carmustine conditioning and ASCT) will be considered feasible if \> 50% of enrolled patients meet the following criteria: * Achieve CR at the end of induction chemotherapy * Remain eligible for ASCT * Collect sufficient stem cells for ASCT (CD34+ cell goal ≥2 x 10\^6/kg) * Complete thiotepa/carmustine chemotherapy and undergo ASCT
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Newly diagnosed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, large B-cell lymphoma transformed from underlying indolent lymphoma, or high-grade B-cell lymphoma. Patients with secondary CNS lymphoma are eligible. Patients with Richter's transformation are NOT eligible.
- At high risk for CNS relapse prior to start of induction as defined by at least one of the criteria below:
- CNS-IPI ≥ 4
- Kidney or adrenal involvement
- Testicular involvement
- Breast involvement
- Ovarian involvement
- Uterine involvement
- Skin involvement
- Double hit lymphoma as defined by containing translocations of MYC gene together with rearrangement of BCL2 and/or BCL6.
- Bone marrow involvement
- Myocardium involvement
- CNS adjacent
- Secondary CNS involvement
- Intend to receive a full course of curative-intent anthracycline-based induction treatment and has not yet received more than 2 cycles at the time of screening. Can receive induction chemotherapy outside of Siteman if still compliant with study eligibility, laboratory studies, lumbar punctures, imaging, and other events.
- Ages 18 to 75.
- Ability to understand and willingness to sign an IRB-approved written informed consent document. Legally authorized representatives may sign and give informed consent on behalf of study participants if patient is otherwise unable to sign for themselves or unable to understand consent document. Treatment Eligibility Criteria:
- Currently undergoing anthracycline-based induction treatment. Dose modifications and/or delays during induction therapy may be made at the discretion of the treating physician and will not affect eligibility for continuation in the study.
- ECOG performance status ≤ 2.
- PET/CT assessment performed between the end of induction Cycle #2 and end of induction Cycle #4 demonstrates no evidence of progressive disease, and patient is eligible for autologous stem cell transplant as determined by the treating physician.
- Has signed treatment consent form following mid-induction PET/CT and prior to conditioning treatment with thiotepa/carmustine.
- Thiotepa and carmustine can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant person. For this reason, women of childbearing potential and men must agree to use adequate contraception prior to study entry, for the duration of study treatment, and for 6 months following receipt of thiotepa and/or carmustine (for women) and 12 months following receipt of thiotepa and/or carmustine (or 3 months following receipt of carmustine if discontinuing before thiotepa) (for men). Should a woman become pregnant or suspect she is pregnant during treatment or within 6 months of the last dose of either thiotepa or carmustine or should a man suspect he has fathered a child, s/he must inform the treating physician immediately.
Exclusion criteria
- (applies at both screening and treatment)
- Relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma or high-grade B-cell lymphoma. Prior treatment for underlying indolent lymphoma is permitted.
- Diagnosis of primary CNS lymphoma.
- Prior or concurrent malignancy whose natural history has the potential to interfere with the safety or efficacy assessment of the investigational regimen as determined by the PI. Patients with prior or concurrent malignancy that does NOT meet that definition are eligible for this trial.
- Currently receiving any other investigational agents.
- A history of allergic reactions attributed to compounds of similar chemical or biologic composition to thiotepa, carmustine, or other agents used in the study.
- Pregnant and/or breastfeeding. Women of childbearing potential must have a negative pregnancy test within 7 days prior to start of induction (for people enrolling prior to induction) or within 7 days of enrollment (for people enrolling after the start of induction).
Where
- St Louis, Missouri
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Mar 31, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations