New combination treatment for diffuse large B‑cell lymphoma
Translation of a novel combination therapy approach for non-Hodgkin lymphoma
This project is trying a virus-based therapy together with checkpoint immunotherapy for people (and companion dogs) with relapsed diffuse large B‑cell lymphoma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mayo Clinic Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11180362 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would hear about a treatment that uses a fast‑replicating virus given through the vein to infect and help kill lymphoma cells while also giving a drug that boosts the immune system's ability to attack the cancer. Researchers are studying how the tumor environment and immune cells respond to this combo, using naturally occurring lymphoma in pet dogs as a real‑world model alongside human-focused work. The team will monitor safety, side effects, and signs that the combination makes immunotherapy work better for tumors that did not respond before. Results will help understand reasons for resistance and guide safer, more effective approaches for people with hard-to-treat lymphoma.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B‑cell lymphoma who have limited standard treatment options, and companion dogs with DLBCL may be eligible at participating veterinary centers.
Not a fit: Patients with other lymphoma subtypes, those who are newly cured by standard treatments, or people unable to receive intravenous viral therapy or checkpoint inhibitors may not benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could make immunotherapy work for more people with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B‑cell lymphoma and offer new treatment options.
How similar studies have performed: Oncolytic viruses have shown promise in preclinical models and checkpoint inhibitors work well for some lymphomas like Hodgkin's, but combining VSV with checkpoint blockade for DLBCL is largely novel and is now being translated toward patients.
Where this research is happening
Rochester, United States
- Mayo Clinic Rochester — Rochester, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Naik, Shruthi — Mayo Clinic Rochester
- Study coordinator: Naik, Shruthi
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.