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Every advancement in lymphoma care begins with research. Clinical trials help understand how treatments work, explore new approaches, and improve current global standard of practice to support people living with lymphoma.

The Australasian Leukaemia and Lymphoma Group’s (ALLG) NHL35 PACIFIC trial is an example of how important blood cancer clinical trial research is and the impact it has. NHL35 PACIFIC, an Australian-led trial is investigating a new treatment approach for people newly diagnosed with Primary Mediastinal B-cell Lymphoma (PMBL), a rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Through clinical trial research like NHL35 PACIFIC clinicians and researchers are working to improve our understanding of lymphoma and explore treatments that may provide outcomes for people diagnosed with this form of blood cancer.

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New Approach to Lymphoma Treatment

The current treatment uses R-CHOP, which is a combination of chemotherapy medicines commonly used to treat lymphoma. The NHL35 PACIFIC trial is exploring whether adding pembrolizumab, a type of immunotherapy treatment, can enhance the effectiveness of this treatment.

Immunotherapy works by helping the body’s  immune system recognise and respond to cancer cells. Unlike treatments that directly target the cancer cell, immunotherapy aims to support the immune system’s natural ability to identify and fight the disease.

By combing these treatment approaches, researchers hope to learn whether this strategy can help people with PMBL achieve longer-lasting responses and reduce the risk of their lymphoma returning.

Dr Katherine Lewis

Dr Katherine Lewis Co-Chief Investigator says, “ALLG’s NHL35 PACIFIC Blood Cancer Trial offers patients in Australia cutting-edge treatment, designed specifically for their cancer type, is a wonderful opportunity to advance cancer treatment in a rare cancer.”

The Importance of Clinical Trials

Clinical trials are essential to advancing the treatment and care of people living with lymphoma and other blood cancers. They help researchers evaluate new therapies, refine existing treatments and identify approaches that may be more effective or have fewer side effects. Many of the treatments that are now considered standard of care were only made possible through the participation of patients in clinical trials.

For people diagnosed with PMBL and other forms of lymphoma, research offers hope for better outcomes and improved quality of life. By supporting innovative studies like the ALLG’s NHL35 PACIFIC trial, researchers can continue building evidence that may lead to more personalised and effective treatment options for future generations of patients.

Advancing Lymphoma Care Through Clinical Trials

To learn more about ALLG’s NHL35 PACIFIC trial and the vital role of clinical trials, visit allg.org.au. By supporting and participating in research, patients, clinicians and researchers are helping to advance treatment options and build a better future for those affected by blood cancer. Every clinical trial contributes valuable knowledge that brings us closer to more effective, personalised and less burdensome treatments.

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