Search for Predictors of Response to R-CHOP in Newly Diagnosed Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL)

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that affects B lymphocytes, a subtype of white blood cells that are part of the immune system. DLBCL is an aggressive form of lymphoma that progresses rapidly and therefore requires immediate treatment; a cure is possible and is the goal of treatment. Patients with newly diagnosed DLBCL are typically treated with a combination of chemotherapy and immunotherapy. The most common regimen is called R-CHOP, a combination of rituximab (immunotherapy) and cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (chemotherapy). Although a large number of patients respond very well to this treatment, some patients experience a recurrence of disease activity over time. Although there are already approaches for predicting response to R-CHOP, these are not yet optimal and, above all, are not easily applicable in everyday clinical practice.

The goal of the MMML Predict study is to identify parameters that enable the prediction of response to R-CHOP or a comparable first-line treatment. The goal of the study is to develop and validate a precise, cost-effective, and easy-to-use prognostic tool that can be used in clinical practice. This tool is intended to enable the early and reliable identification of DLBCL patients who are at very high risk of treatment failure following R-CHOP or a similar first-line therapy. The study is designed as a multicenter, prospective observational study and does not involve any experimental interventions. Instead, clinical data, PET-CT images, liquid biopsies (analysis of cells in the blood), and genomic analyses will be collected to identify prognostic factors that go beyond the currently used International Prognostic Index (IPI). The findings are intended to help individualize treatment for DLBCL patients and improve their prognosis. Treatments and follow-up examinations as part of the study will take place for an initial period of 2 years, during which the efficacy of the therapy and the occurrence of side effects from the various medications will be documented. A key factor is whether or when the disease progresses again during therapy. The maximum follow-up period is 5 years.

Patients between the ages of 18 and 85 who have been newly diagnosed with DLBCL and are scheduled to receive standard therapy according to the R-CHOP regimen or a comparable regimen are eligible to participate in the study.