WithdrawnPhase 2

Combination Chemotherapy Plus Interferon Alfa or Rituximab in Treating Patients With Stage III or Stage IV Lymphoma

Stopped: No patient accruals

United States0Started 1998-06

Plain-language summary

RATIONALE: Drugs used in chemotherapy use different ways to stop cancer cells from dividing so they stop growing or die. Combining interferon alfa or the monoclonal antibody rituximab with chemotherapy may kill more cancer cells. PURPOSE: Phase II trial to compare the effectiveness of combination chemotherapy plus interferon alfa or rituximab in treating patients who have high risk stage III or stage IV lymphoma.

Who can participate

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically confirmed high risk (stage III or IV) indolent or intermediate (stage II to IV) B-cell lymphoma Small cleaved cell lymphoma Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia Follicular small cleaved cell or mixed cell Follicular large cell Diffuse Immunoblastic High risk is defined as: Increased LDH OR Increased beta-2-microglobulin OR B symptoms OR Bulky disease of greater than 7 cm in diameter OR Extranodal disease other than blood or bone marrow involvement OR Mantle zone histology At least 1 lymph node or visceral lesion at least 2 cm in diameter PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: Not specified Performance status: ECOG 0-2 Life expectancy: Not specified Hematopoietic: Not specified Hepatic: Not specified Renal: Not specified Other: No active infection or other medical condition this is lifethreatening Not pregnant Fertile patients must use effective contraception PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: No prior therapy for lymphoma

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

Trial details

NCT IDNCT00004039

SponsorHoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2000-01

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Lymphoma trials

Plain-language summary

Who can participate

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.