Using intravenous methotrexate to prevent CNS relapse in high-risk DLBCL patients

Intravenous Methotrexate 1g/m2 as Central Nervous System Prophylaxis for High Risk Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma: a Prospective, Phase III, Randomized, Controlled Study

Phase 3 Interventional Peking Union Medical College Hospital · NCT05054426

This study is testing if giving high-risk DLBCL patients intravenous methotrexate can better prevent brain relapses compared to the usual method of giving it directly into the spine.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 3
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment488 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorPeking Union Medical College Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Beijing, Beijing)
Trial IDNCT05054426 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This phase III, multicenter, randomized, controlled study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of intravenous methotrexate (IV MTX) at a dose of 1g/m2 compared to intrathecal methotrexate (IT MTX) in preventing central nervous system (CNS) relapse in patients with high-risk diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL). All participants will receive the RCHOP regimen as their front-line treatment. The study will assess the two-year CNS relapse rate as the primary endpoint, along with progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and safety as secondary endpoints. The goal is to confirm the efficacy of IV MTX based on previous findings that suggested a significant reduction in CNS relapse rates.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with high CNS risk DLBCL who are planned to receive RCHOP treatment and have no CNS involvement at diagnosis.

Not a fit: Patients with primary CNS lymphoma, existing CNS involvement at diagnosis, or other specific high-grade lymphomas will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce the incidence of CNS relapse in high-risk DLBCL patients, improving their overall prognosis.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with intravenous methotrexate in reducing CNS relapse rates, indicating potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* age ≥ 18 years
* with high CNS risk, which was defined as involvement of more than one extranodal site, or involvement of particular extranodal sites such as bone marrow, breasts, testes, paranasal sinuses, epidural space, adrenal glands, kidney and female genital system;
* first-line treatment planned to be RCHOP
* absence of CNS involvement at presentation

Exclusion Criteria:

* primary CNS lymphoma
* already have CNS involvement at diagnosis
* primary mediastinal lymphoma, intravascular large B-cell lymphoma, DLBCL leg-type, Burkitt lymphoma, high-grade lymphomas, double expressor lymphoma
* with active infection or other malignancy
* severe liver or kidney insufficiency
* allergy to any medication we plan to use

Where this trial is running

Beijing, Beijing

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Diffuse Large B Cell LymphomaCentral Nervous System Lymphomacentral nervous system prophylaxismethotrexate
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.