Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma in adults. Around 60% of all patients with DLBCL can be cured with the standard treatment.

Additional administration of acalabrutinib

Trial SAKK 38/19 will investigate whether the addition of the active substance acalabrutinib to standard treatment can improve its efficacy against specific mutations. Treatment safety and tolerance will also be assessed. Acalabrutinib will be taken twice daily in tablet form. The active substance is approved in the US for treatment of mantle cell lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Different treatments – depending on response

The type and duration of treatment among participants in SAKK 38/19 will also be adapted to the findings gathered during treatment. The aim is to improve treatment efficacy and tolerance through treatment escalation (addition of acalabrutinib) or de-escalation (reduction of standard treatment cycles).

Around 260 patients with a confirmed DLBCL diagnosis whose disease has not yet been treated with medications or other treatment methods can participate in the trial.

Follow-ups will be carried out every three months after completion of the trial treatment, and examinations will be performed again at 12, 18 and 24 months after the start of treatment. After 24 months, follow-ups will be carried out every 6 months, with the final one 60 months after the start of the trial treatment.