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NCT03618550 · Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Phase II Study of Second- Line Pembrolizumab Plus GVD for Relapsed or Refractory Hodgkin Lymphoma

What this study is about

The purpose of this study is to test any good and bad effects of the study drug, pembrolizumab, in combination with GVD in the treatment of Hodgkin lymphoma.

View original scientific description

The purpose of this study is to test any good and bad effects of the study drug, pembrolizumab, in combination with GVD in the treatment of Hodgkin lymphoma.

Interventions

DRUG

pembrolizumab

Age 10-17: 2mg/kg (cap at 200mg), Age ≥ 18: 200 mg (flat) ,Day 1 of each 3 week cycle IV infusion 2-4 cycles (pre-ASCT)

DRUG

gemcitabine

1000mg/m\^2 Days 1 and 8 of each 3 week cycle IV infusion 2-4 cycles

DRUG

vinorelbine

20mg/m\^2 Days 1 and 8 of each 3 week cycle IV infusion 2-4 cycles

DRUG

liposomal doxorubicin

15mg/m\^2 Days 1 and 8 of each 3 week cycle IV infusion 2-4 cycles

PROCEDURE

Stem cell mobilization and collection

Stem cell mobilization and collection will be performed as per standard MSKCC guidelines after 2-4 cycles of pembrolizumab-GVD.

RADIATION

Involved-site radiation therapy

Involved-site radiation therapy (ISRT) Patients with limited sites of disease prior to initiation of pembro-GVD are eligible to receive ISRT prior to ASCT or with pembrolizumab maintenance. n. ISRT to nodal based disease should be delivered in line with the guidelines provided by the International Lymphoma Radiation Oncology Group.

Primary outcome measures

Complete response rate (part 1)

Time frame: 2 years

Response to pembrolizumab-GVD will be assessed using the RECIL criteria.

Assess freedom from disease at 5 years (part 3)

Time frame: 5 years

A disease event will be defined as disease relapse after transplant or after maintenance if transplant does not occur, death, or loss to follow-up before the 5-year follow-up period ends.

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

  • Histologic diagnosis of classical Hodgkin's lymphoma. Primary refractory or relapsed disease proven by biopsy at enrolling institution.
  • Be willing and able to provide written informed consent/assent for the trial.
  • Be ≥ 18 years of age on day of signing informed consent.
  • PET scan before initiating pembro-GVD have measurable disease based on Lugano 2014 criteria
  • Have a performance status of 0 or 1 on the ECOG Performance Scale
  • Demonstrate adequate organ function as defined in table below
  • Demonstrate adequate organ function as defined in table below. Hematological\
  • Absolute neutrophil count (ANC) ≥1000 /mcL
  • Platelets ≥50,000 / mcL
  • Hemoglobin ≥8 g/dL Renal
  • Serum creatinine OR ≤1.5 X upper limit of normal (ULN) OR
  • Measured or calculated creatinine clearance (eGFR can also be used in place of creatinine) ≥60 mL/min for subject with creatinine levels \> 1.5 X institutional ULN Hepatic\
  • Serum total bilirubin ≤ 1.5 X ULN OR ≤ 3 X ULN for subjects with liver metastases
  • AST (SGOT) and ALT (SGPT) ≤ 2.5 X ULN OR ≤ 5 X ULN for subjects with liver metastases Pulmonary
  • Hemoglobin-adjusted diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide ≥50% (If unadjusted DLCO is \>/= 50% then there is no need to calculate adjusted) Cardiac
  • Ejection fraction ≥45% Coagulation
  • International normalized ratio (INR) OR prothrombin time (PT), Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT): ≤ 1.5 × ULN unless participant is receiving anticoagulant therapy as long as PT or aPTT is within therapeutic range of intended use of anticoagulants \*Lab values for eligibility should be based upon labs prior to Cycle 1 treatment of Pembro-GVD.
  • Female subject of childbearing potential should have a negative urine or serum pregnancy within 2 weeks prior to receiving the first dose of study medication. On the day of planned treatment, if a blood pregnancy test has not been performed within the two week window, a stat pregnancy test (urine or blood) should be performed and the results reviewed before treatment is begun.
  • Female subjects of childbearing potential must be willing to use an adequate method of contraception (see details in section 11.4.3).
  • Male subjects of childbearing potential must agree to use an adequate method of contraception.(see details in section 11.4.3).
  • HIV-infected participants must have well-controlled HIV on ART, defined as:
  • Participants on ART must have a CD4+ T-cell count ≥350 cells/mm3 at the time of screening
  • Participants on ART must have achieved and maintained virologic suppression defined as confirmed HIV RNA level below 50 copies/mL or the LLOQ (below the limit of detection) using the locally available assay at the time of screening and for at least 12 weeks before screening
  • It is advised that participants must not have had any AIDS-defining opportunistic infections within the past 12 months.
  • Participants on ART must have been on a stable regimen, without changes in drugs or dose modification, for at least 4 weeks before study entry (Day 1) and agree to continue ART throughout the study
  • Participants who have AEs due to previous anticancer therapies must have recovered to ≤Grade 1 or baseline. Participants with endocrine-related AEs who are adequately treated with hormone replacement or participants who have ≤Grade 2 neuropathy are eligible.

Exclusion criteria

  • Known pregnancy or breast-feeding.
  • Breast-feeding should be discontinued prior to treatment initiation.
  • Medical illness unrelated to Hodgkin's Lymphoma, which, in the opinion of the attending physician and/or principal investigator, makes participation in this study inappropriate.
  • Has received prior radiotherapy within 2 weeks of start of study treatment. Participants must have recovered from all radiation-related toxicities, not require corticosteroids, and not have had radiation pneumonitis.
  • Has known active central nervous system (CNS) metastases and/or carcinomatous meningitis.
  • Has active autoimmune disease that has required systemic treatment in the past 2 years (i.e. with use of disease modifying agents, corticosteroids or immunosuppressive drugs). Replacement therapy (e.g., thyroxine, insulin, or physiologic corticosteroid replacement therapy for adrenal or pituitary insufficiency, etc.) is not considered a form of systemic treatment.
  • Has known active HIV, Hepatitis B (e.g., Hepatitis B PCR positive) or Hepatitis C (e.g., HCV RNA \[qualitative\] is detected).
  • Has received a live vaccine or live-attenuated vaccine within 30 days prior to the first dose of study drug. Administration of killed vaccines is allowed.
  • Has a history of pneumonitis related to PD-1 blockade that required steroids.
  • Has an active infection requiring systemic therapy.
  • Has not adequately recovered from major surgery or has ongoing surgical complications
  • Has undergone solid organ transplant at any time, or prior allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation within the last 5 years. (Subjects who have had an allogeneic hematopoietic transplant greater than 5 years ago are eligible as long as there are no symptoms of GVHD.)
  • Has a history or current evidence of any condition, therapy, or laboratory abnormality or other circumstance that might confound the results of the study, interfere with the participant's participation for the full duration of the study, such that it is not in the best interest of the participant to participate, in the opinion of the treating investigator
  • Has known psychiatric or substance abuse disorders that would interfere with cooperation with the requirements of the trial.

Where

  • Duarte, California
  • Stanford, California
  • Miami, Florida
  • Basking Ridge, New Jersey
  • Middletown, New Jersey
  • Montvale, New Jersey
  • Commack, New York
  • Harrison, New York
  • New York, New York
  • Uniondale, New York

Collaborators

Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC

Related conditions & keywords

Hodgkin LymphomaRelapsed or Refractory Hodgkin LymphomaPembrolizumabGVD18-160

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 Sep 24, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations

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Study locations

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Duarte

California

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Stanford

California

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Miami

Florida

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Basking Ridge

New Jersey

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Middletown

New Jersey

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Montvale

New Jersey

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Commack

New York

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Harrison

New York

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New York

New York

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And 1 more location available.

Express your interest

Share your contact details and a study coordinator can follow up about screening.

Secure & Confidential

Your information is protected and will only be shared with the research team.

What participation can include

  • Study-related care provided by the research team
  • Close monitoring by medical professionals
  • Possible compensation for time and travel*
  • The option to withdraw at any time
  • Contributing to medical research that may help future patients

*Compensation varies by study. Confirm details with coordinator.

Typical next steps

  1. 1.Submit this form
  2. 2.Phone screening
  3. 3.In-person assessment if eligible
  4. 4.Begin participation

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Looking for Hodgkin Lymphoma Treatment in Duarte?

Join others in California exploring innovative treatment options through clinical research

Hodgkin Lymphoma Treatment Options in Duarte, California

If you're searching for Hodgkin Lymphoma treatment in Duarte, participating in a clinical research study may provide access to innovative approaches under expert medical supervision. This study is actively recruiting participants in Duarte, Stanford, Miami and surrounding areas.

Clinical trials offer participants the opportunity to receive cutting-edge treatments while contributing to medical research that may help future patients with Hodgkin Lymphoma. All study-related care is provided at no cost to participants.

Local Sites
3 locations in California
Now Enrolling
Up to 257 participants
Quick Start
Screening available now

Why Consider a Clinical Trial for Hodgkin Lymphoma?

Potential Benefits

  • ✓Access to new treatment approaches before public availability
  • ✓Close monitoring by experienced medical professionals
  • ✓Study-related care provided at no cost
  • ✓Contribute to medical research for Hodgkin Lymphoma

What to Expect

  • →Initial screening to determine eligibility
  • →Regular check-ups and monitoring visits
  • →Possible compensation for time and travel
  • →You can withdraw at any time

Frequently Asked Questions About This Hodgkin Lymphoma Study

Important Clinical Trial Information

This information is provided for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Clinical trial participation involves potential risks and benefits. Eligibility requirements apply and will be assessed during the screening process.

Study identifier: NCT03618550. For complete study details, visit ClinicalTrials.gov. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making decisions about your medical care or participating in clinical research.