Full Title
Pembrolizumab and Involved Site Radiation Therapy for Early Stage Relapsed or Primary Refractory Hodgkin LymphomaPurpose
Pembrolizumab is a form of immunotherapy that is approved to treat classical Hodgkin lymphoma that has come back or continued to grow despite prior treatment. In this study, researchers want to assess its safety and effectiveness in patients with recurrent or persistent early-stage classical Hodgkin lymphoma when combined with a targeted form of radiation therapy called “involved site radiation therapy.” They hope that this combination treatment is more effective than other treatments for recurrent or persistent Hodgkin lymphoma.
Pembrolizumab works by blocking a molecule called PD-1 that shuts down the immune response. Blocking PD-1 can allow the immune system to detect and attack cancer cells. It is given intravenously (by vein).
Involved site radiation therapy uses imaging scans such as CT and PET scanning to limit the dose of radiation and the area of the body that is irradiated to reduce treatment side effects. Radiation therapy may also improve the ability of immune cells called T cells to recognize and attack cancer cells, especially when used together with pembrolizumab.
Who Can Join
To be eligible for this study, patients must meet several criteria, including but not limited to the following:
- Patients must have early-stage classical Hodgkin lymphoma that continues to grow or came back despite no more than one prior regimen of therapy.
- At least 2 weeks must pass between the completion of prior treatment and entry into the study.
- Patients must be able to walk and do routine activities for more than half of their normal waking hours.
- This study is for patients age 18 and older.
For more information about this study and to inquire about eligibility, please contact Dr. Joachim Yahalom at 212-639-5999.