Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) Clinical Trials

About Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) trials

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is an umbrella term covering many distinct lymphoid cancers, and trials are typically subtype-specific rather than treating "NHL" as a single disease. The major mature B-cell subtypes include follicular lymphoma (FL), mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), marginal zone lymphoma (MZL), Burkitt lymphoma, primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma (PMBL), and Waldenström macroglobulinemia. Mature T-cell lymphomas include peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) and its variants, anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL), and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) have their own dedicated trial-finder pages. Surface markers (CD19, CD20, CD22, CD30) are the targets for most antibody, ADC, bispecific antibody, and CAR-T cell therapies. Translocation and mutation markers (MYC, BCL2, BCL6, CCND1, ALK, EZH2, MYD88) define specific subtypes or therapeutic targets: CCND1 with t(11;14) defines MCL, ALK rearrangement distinguishes ALCL ALK-positive from ALK-negative, EZH2 gain-of-function gates EZH2 inhibitor trials in FL, MYD88 L265P is foundational for Waldenström macroglobulinemia. TP53 mutations carry adverse prognosis across multiple subtypes. PD-L1 (CD274) gates select immunotherapy trials, particularly in PMBL and CTCL.

Open NHL trials sort by subtype and treatment line. Follicular lymphoma trials test rituximab-based combinations in front-line, lenalidomide combinations in R/R, and CAR-T cell therapy for refractory or transformed disease. Mantle cell lymphoma trials test BTK-based combinations in front-line (a major shift from chemo-only intensive regimens), high-dose therapy with stem cell transplant for fit patients, and CAR-T for post-BTK relapse. Marginal zone lymphoma trials test BTK inhibitors and ADCs in R/R disease. Peripheral T-cell lymphoma trials test brentuximab + CHP for CD30-expressing disease, novel agents for non-CD30 PTCL, and allogeneic transplant strategies. Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (mycosis fungoides, Sézary syndrome) trials test brentuximab, mogamulizumab, and novel agents directed at CCR4 and other targets. Waldenström macroglobulinemia trials center on BTK inhibitors and emerging non-covalent BTK approaches. Burkitt lymphoma trials test intensive chemoimmunotherapy regimens and novel additions. Bispecific antibody trials are an active cross-subtype area, particularly for relapsed B-cell NHL.

When you reach trial screening for NHL, expect questions about subtype, prior CD20-targeted therapy, and prior CAR-T or bispecific exposure. Subtype confirmation by hematopathology review is foundational since most trials are subtype-specific. Prior CD20-targeted therapy (rituximab, obinutuzumab) is very common in B-cell NHL, and most R/R trials require it. Prior BTK inhibitor exposure for FL, MCL, MZL, and Waldenström, with most trials specifying BTK-naïve or post-BTK status. Prior CAR-T cell therapy and prior bispecific antibody exposure are increasingly defining criteria as these enter earlier lines across subtypes. CD20 expression status for CD20-targeted trials. CD30 expression status for CD30-directed trials in T-cell NHL. Performance status, with most trials accepting ECOG 0-2. Hepatitis B and C status, CNS involvement, and prior central nervous system lymphoma history are typical screening checks. LDH and IPI / FLIPI score are common stratification factors.

Biomarkers tested in Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) trials

These are the molecular markers most commonly required or evaluated in Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) eligibility criteria. OncoMatch extracts them from each trial's protocol and matches them against your test results.