NCT06890884 · Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC
A Clinical Study of Zilovertamab Vedotin (MK-2140) Plus Rituximab Plus Cyclophosphamide, Doxorubicin, and Prednisone (R-CHP) Versus Polatuzumab Vedotin Plus R-CHP in People With Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) (MK-2140-011/waveLINE-011)
What this study is about
Researchers are looking for ways to treat germinal center B-cell-like diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (GCB DLBCL). DLBCL is a fast-growing blood cancer that affects B-cells. GCB is a type of DLBCL that affects young B-cells that are still maturing.
View original scientific description
Researchers are looking for ways to treat germinal center B-cell-like diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (GCB DLBCL). DLBCL is a fast-growing blood cancer that affects B-cells. GCB is a type of DLBCL that affects young B-cells that are still maturing. The goal of this study is to learn if more people who receive zilovertamab vedotin (MK-2140) and R-CHP have the cancer respond (go away) than those who receive polatuzumab vedotin and R-CHP.
Interventions
BIOLOGICAL
Zilovertamab vedotin
IV infusion
BIOLOGICAL
Rituximab
IV infusion
DRUG
Cyclophosphamide
IV infusion
DRUG
Doxorubicin
IV infusion
BIOLOGICAL
Rituximab Biosimilar
IV infusion
DRUG
Prednisone
Oral administration or IV infusion
DRUG
Prednisolone
Oral administration or IV infusion
BIOLOGICAL
Polatuzumab vedotin
IV infusion
DRUG
Rescue Medication
Participants receive rescue medication at the investigators discretion, per approved product label. Recommended rescue medication is Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor (G-CSF).
Primary outcome measures
Complete Response Rate (CRR) at End of Treatment (EOT) per Lugano Response Criteria
Time frame: Up to approximately 31 months
CRR at EOT is defined as the percentage of participants who experience complete response (CR) per Lugano response criteria as assessed by blinded independent central review (BICR) at end of treatment. CR is complete metabolic (no/minimal FDG uptake) and radiologic response (target lesions regress to ≤1.5 cm in longest transverse diameter of a lesion) and no new lesions. Participants with missing data or who discontinue treatment or study prior to reaching EOT will be considered non-responders and included in the total number of participants.
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
- The main inclusion criteria include but are not limited to the following:
- Has histologically confirmed diagnosis of germinal center B-cell (GCB) subtype of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), by prior biopsy, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) classification of neoplasms of the hematopoietic and lymphoid tissues.
- Has positron emission tomography (PET) positive disease at screening, defined as 4 to 5 on the Lugano 5-point scale.
- Has received no prior treatment for their DLBCL.
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected participants must have well controlled HIV on antiretroviral therapy (ART).
- Participants who are hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive are eligible if they have received hepatitis B virus (HBV) antiviral therapy and have undetectable HBV viral load prior to randomization.
- Participants with history of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection are eligible if HCV viral load is undetectable at screening.
Where
- Mobile, Alabama
- Chandler, Arizona
- Glendale, Arizona
- Goodyear, Arizona
- Hot Springs, Arkansas
- Burbank, California
- Duarte, California
- Walnut Creek, California
- Aurora, Colorado
- Grand Junction, Colorado
- Newark, Delaware
- Washington D.C., District of Columbia
And 55 more locations — see the full list below.
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 Jul 13, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations