NCT03190928 · National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Clonal Evolution in Follicular Lymphoma
What this study is about
Background: Follicular lymphoma is a type of cancer of the lymph nodes. Lab studies are important for cancer research. They help scientists better understand differences in the cancer biology of different patients. Researchers want to collect serial samples over time from people with follicular lymphoma to help them design future treatments.
View original scientific description
Background: Follicular lymphoma is a type of cancer of the lymph nodes. Lab studies are important for cancer research. They help scientists better understand differences in the cancer biology of different patients. Researchers want to collect serial samples over time from people with follicular lymphoma to help them design future treatments. Objective: To collect a variety of samples from people with follicular lymphoma to study how these diseases progress and respond to treatment. Eligibility: Adults at least 18 years old who have been diagnosed with, but have not yet had any treatment for, follicular lymphoma. Design: Participants will be screened with medical history and physical exam. They will answer questions about daily functioning. They will have blood and urine tests. They may have scans and have tissue samples taken. Participants will be monitored about every 4 months for up to 2 years. They will repeat screening tests. They will have a cheek swab. A small brush will be rubbed against the inside of the cheek to wipe off some cells. Participants will have imaging scans about every 8 months for up to 2 years. Participants may have a bone marrow aspiration and biopsy. The hipbone will be numbed with a small needle. A needle will be put into the hipbone, and about 2 tablespoons of bone marrow will be taken out through the needle. Participants will continue being monitored every 6 months for up to 5 years, then 1 time a year.
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
- Histologically or cytologically confirmed follicular lymphoma (FL), grades 1-2, or 3a confirmed by the Laboratory of Pathology, NCI; patients who meet criteria for immediate initiation of systemic therapy are eligible
- Adequate tissue available from original diagnostic biopsy. NOTE: If biopsy was \>12 months prior to enrollment OR adequate tissue is not available, tissue biopsy may be optionally repeated unless such a biopsy is considered unacceptable risk to the patient. Patients without adequate tissue are eligible at the discretion of the PI. \- Must have disease that is measurable or evaluable on either computed tomography (CT) scans or FDG-positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) scans NOTE: Since patients with FL may have lesions that wax and wane on imaging, the requirement for disease being measurable or evaluable can come from imaging taken at any time at or after diagnosis, the most recent imaging prior to enrollment does not need to show measurable or evaluable disease. \- Age greater than or equal to 18 years NOTE: Patients with the pediatric-type follicular lymphoma are usually \<18 years of age, and often have a very different clinical course than patients with the adult-type of FL. Due to this difference in biology, children are excluded from this study. \- ECOG performance status \<2 (Karnofsky \>60%)
Exclusion criteria
- Previous history of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma or histologic transformation
- Any prior systemic treatment for lymphoma including cytotoxic chemotherapy, biologic therapy, and monoclonal antibody therapy (radiotherapy permitted); patients who have received chemotherapy, biologic therapy, hormonal therapy, or monoclonal antibody for other malignancies are potentially eligible provided that all of the following are true: a) that malignancy was not lymphoma, b) systemic therapy ended at least 3 years prior to the diagnosis of FL, and c) there is no evidence of active malignancy other than FL NOTE: Initiation of first-line systemic therapy is allowed while on this trial; concurrent participation in first-line treatment clinical trials will be permitted.
- Patients who are HIV-positive
- Any second malignancy that requires active systemic therapy
- Any other (non-lymphoma) life-threatening disease
- Patients unable to provide informed consent (surrogates will not be used)
- Pregnant women are excluded from enrollment onto this study because the invasive procedures and/or sedation needed to perform them may cause unnecessary harm to the unborn fetus. In the event a woman becomes pregnant while on study, she will not be removed from the study; however, no follow-up invasive clinical or research procedures will be done that include unacceptable to risk to the patient and/or to the unborn fetus.
Where
- Bethesda, Maryland
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 10, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations