NCT03681561 · Veronika Bachanova
Nivolumab With Ruxolitinib in Relapsed or Refractory Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma
What this study is about
This is a Phase I/II, conducted at multiple hospitals, where both patients and doctors know the treatment given, gradually increasing doses/dose-expansion study to evaluate the tolerability, safety, and the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of ruxolitinib when given with fixed dose nivolumab in patients with relapsed or refractory classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL).
View original scientific description
This is a Phase I/II, multicenter, open-label, dose escalation/dose-expansion study to evaluate the tolerability, safety, and the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of ruxolitinib when given with fixed dose nivolumab in patients with relapsed or refractory classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL).
Interventions
DRUG
Ruxolitinib
Phase I: Ruxolitinib at assigned dose\* twice daily by mouth begin Day 1 and continuing daily until study treatment stop. * Dose Levels: 1. (starting) : 10mg twice daily 2: 15mg twice daily 3: 20mg: twice daily Phase II: Ruxolitinib 20mg twice daily by mouth begin Day 1 and continuing daily until study treatment stop.
DRUG
Nivolumab
Nivolumab 480 mg IV every 4 weeks (Day 1) Until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, patient refusal or a maximum of 2 years
Primary outcome measures
Maximum Tolerated Dose
Time frame: 24 months
To assess the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of ruxolitinib in combination with nivolumab in patients with relapsed/refractory Hodgkin lymphoma. (Phase I Only)
Overall Disease Control
Time frame: 24 months
To evaluate the best Overall Disease Control (CR+PR+SD) at 3 months of nivolumab in combination with ruxolitinib at MTD in patients with relapsed/refractory Hodgkin lymphoma using the modified Lugano Classification "lymphoma response criteria to immunomodulatory therapy criteria" (LYRIC)1 (Phase II Only)
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
- Written informed consent and HIPAA authorization for release of personal health information. NOTE: HIPAA authorization may be included in the informed consent or obtained separately.
- Age ≥ 18 years at the time of consent.
- ECOG Performance Status of 0, 1 or 2.
- Histologically confirmed diagnosis of classical Hodgkin lymphoma that is relapsed or refractory - historical biopsy at last relapse is acceptable. NOTE: a repeat biopsy is not required for Phase I if the historical biopsy was performed at the most recent relapse, without remission in between. A fresh biopsy is not required for Phase II.
- Presence of radiographically measurable disease (defined as the presence one or more ≥ 1.5 cm lesions, as measured in the longest dimension by PET/CT) within 4 weeks of study registration.
- Prior therapy with check-point inhibitors (nivolumab, pembrolizumab, others) and subsequent progressive disease, stable disease, mixed response, or relapse
- Failed at least one prior therapy
- Prior cancer treatment must be completed at least 14 days prior to registration and the patient must have recovered from all reversible acute toxic effects of the regimen (other than alopecia) to ≤Grade 1 or baseline. Radiation therapy must be completed at least 7 days prior to registration.
- Absolute Neutrophil Count ≥ 1000/μL
- Platelets ≥ 75,000/μL (or ≥50,000/mm3 if known BM involvement)
- Calculated creatinine clearance ≥ 40 cc/min using the Cockcroft-Gault formula
- Bilirubin ≤ 1.5 x upper limit of normal (ULN)
- Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) ≤ 2.5 × ULN
- Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ≤ 2.5 × ULN
- Females of childbearing potential must have a negative serum pregnancy test within 7 days prior to registration. NOTE: Females are considered of child bearing potential unless they are surgically sterile (have undergone a hysterectomy, bilateral tubal ligation, or bilateral oophorectomy) or they are naturally postmenopausal for at least 12 consecutive months
- Males who are sexually active with partners of child-bearing potential must be willing to abstain from heterosexual activity or adhere to contraception from the time of written consent until 7 months after treatment discontinuation.
- Patient must provide voluntary written informed consent prior to the performance of any research related tests or procedures.
Exclusion criteria
- Pregnant or breastfeeding (NOTE: breast milk cannot be stored for future use while the mother is being treated on study).
- Inability or unwillingness to swallow oral medication or any condition that precludes the administration and/or absorption of oral medications
- A life-threatening illness, medical condition or organ system dysfunction, which in the investigator's opinion, could compromise the patient's safety, interfere with the metabolism of study drugs, or put the study outcomes at undue risk
- Active central nervous system (CNS) involvement by lymphoma
- Uncontrolled cardiovascular disease such as uncontrolled or symptomatic arrhythmias, congestive heart failure, or myocardial infarction or any class 3 or 4 cardiac disease as defined by the New York Heart Association Functional Classification
- Concomitant therapy with immunosuppressive agents, including systemic corticosteroids (doses ≤ 10 mg/day prednisone or equivalent are permitted).
- Has a history of autoimmune disease now or in past 3 years such as hepatitis, nephritis, hyperthyroidism, interstitial lung disease or colitis except vitiligo or alopecia, hypothyroidism (eg, following Hashimoto syndrome) stable on hormone replacement or psoriasis not requiring systemic treatment
- HIV-infected patients on effective anti-retroviral therapy with undetectable viral load within 6 months of registration are eligible for this trial.
- Active Hepatitis B or C infection (defined as a positive Hepatitis B surface antigen (Ag) or detectable viral load by PCR). NOTES: Hepatitis B and C testing is required. Patients with positive Hepatitis B Ag may enroll if PCR is negative. Suppressive antiviral therapy should be considered for these patients as clinically indicated.
- Currently active, clinically significant hepatic impairment Child-Pugh class B or C
- Currently receiving a strong CYP3A4 Inhibitor (such as but not limited to boceprevir clarithromycin, conivaptan, grapefruit juice, indinavir, itraconazole, ketoconazole, lopinavir/ritonavir, mibefradil, nefazodone, nelfinavir, posaconazole, ritonavir, saquinavir, telaprevir, telithromycin, voriconazole) or Fluconazole \>200 mg/day. Washout period of 1 week is required.
- History of stroke or intracranial hemorrhage within 6 months of study registration
Where
- Chicago, Illinois
- Indianapolis, Indiana
- Iowa City, Iowa
- Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Columbus, Ohio
- Madison, Wisconsin
Collaborators
Incyte Corporation, Bristol-Myers Squibb
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 Jun 12, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations