New combination treatment tested for primary CNS lymphoma

Results of the TIER trial have recently been published in a scientific journal called Blood Advances. Here, we summarise the main findings.

The TIER trial tested a new combination of chemotherapy and antibody therapy in people with primary CNS lymphoma that had come back or not responded after initial treatment. At present, there is no standard treatment for this group of people, and treatment can be challenging.

People who took part in the trial were treated with a combination called TIER: thiotepa, ifosphamide and etoposide (chemotherapy drugs) and rituximab (an antibody therapy).

The first part of the trial worked out the best dose of thiotepa to use as part of this combination in people with primary CNS lymphoma. The second part tested how well the TIER regimen worked and what side effects it caused.

The second part of the trial involved 27 people. Around half of them responded to treatment with TIER. Six people were able to go on to have a stem cell transplant, to help their response to treatment last as long as possible. TIER treatment seemed to be more successful in people who had not been treated with thiotepa before than those who had.

TIER had a manageable safety profile. The most common serious side effects were low blood counts, infections, and nervous system problems.

The trial authors concluded that TIER produced a meaningful response rate worthy of further clinical development.
For more information about clinical trials for lymphoma, or to find a trial that might be suitable for you, visit Lymphoma TrialsLink.

Published: 17 November 2021