A Real-world Data and Sample Compendium of Frail and/or Multiply Treated Large B-cell Lymphoma
This study, called ALMANAC, is looking at how a type of blood cancer called large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL) is treated in the real world when standard treatments like R-CHOP or Pola-R-CHP aren't quite right for a patient. This might be because someone is older or frailer and might struggle with the side effects, or because their cancer either didn't respond to the first treatment or came back afterwards. The study collects information on how these patients are managed and what their journeys are like. By doing this, we hope to gain a much better understanding of LBCL in these specific situations, which can then guide future research and ultimately lead to better care and outcomes for patients.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study, called ALMANAC, is all about understanding how a specific type of blood cancer, called large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL), is treated in everyday hospital settings, especially for patients who might need a slightly different approach. LBCL starts when certain white blood cells, called B-cells, grow out of control. Standard treatment usually involves a combination of chemotherapy and immunotherapy, often referred to as R-CHOP or Pola-R-CHP.
However, these standard treatments aren't always suitable for everyone. For example, some patients might be older or have other health conditions that make them frail, meaning that the full dose of these powerful treatments could cause too many side effects or strain their heart. In such cases, doctors might offer a gentler, reduced-dose treatment like mini-R-CHOP, or completely different alternatives. Additionally, some people might go through the initial treatment, but their cancer doesn't shrink, or it comes back later. For these patients, there isn't one standard way to treat them, and treatments can vary a lot between different hospitals.
ALMANAC hopes to gather information from a wide range of hospitals about how these specific groups of patients are being treated and what happens to them over time. By collecting this 'real-world' data, researchers can start to see patterns and identify what works well (or less well) for different patient groups. This valuable information will then help guide future research into LBCL, leading to a much clearer picture of the disease and, hopefully, more effective and tailored treatments for all patients, especially those who can't have or haven't responded to standard care.
Key takeaways
- The ALMANAC study gathers real-world information on large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL) treatment.
- It focuses on patients who are frail or whose cancer didn't respond to initial treatment or came back.
- The study aims to improve understanding and guide future research for these specific patient groups.
- Participation involves sharing medical record data, with no changes to your treatment or extra appointments.
- This research helps pave the way for better and more personalised care for LBCL patients in the future.
Who may be eligible?
To be considered for this study, you would generally need to be at least 16 years old. You would also need a confirmed diagnosis of large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL) – this means a doctor has looked at a sample of your cells under a microscope and identified this specific type of cancer.
The study is interested in two main groups of patients. The first group includes people who have been newly diagnosed with LBCL but are considered not well enough or too frail for the standard full-strength treatments due to potential side effects. The second group is for patients whose LBCL has either come back (relapsed) or didn't respond to their initial treatment (refractory).
Even if you're currently taking part in another clinical trial, you might still be able to participate in ALMANAC, as this study is mainly about collecting information on your journey. Your doctor would be able to check if your specific situation fits the study’s requirements.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you 16 years old or older?
- Have you been diagnosed with large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL)?
- Are you newly diagnosed but considered not well enough for full-strength standard treatments?
- OR, has your large B-cell lymphoma come back or not responded to initial treatment?
- Are you able to speak with the study team and agree to participate?
What does participation involve?
This study is primarily about collecting information from your medical records about your treatment journey and how you’re doing. It is not an intervention study, meaning you won't be given any new or experimental treatments just for the study. Taking part would typically involve allowing the research team to access and record details from your existing medical notes regarding your diagnosis, the treatments you receive for your LBCL, and how you respond to these treatments over time. There are no additional visits, specific tests, or experimental medications required for this study beyond what your doctors would normally recommend as part of your regular care. The duration of your participation would depend on how long your medical information is collected, but it wouldn't involve any extra time commitment from you.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Foundation TrustVerified postcodeLiverpool, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Common questions
What is large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL)?
LBCL is a type of cancer that affects your white blood cells, specifically called B-cells, which are part of your immune system. These cells grow in an uncontrolled way.
Why is this study important if it's not trying new treatments?
This study is crucial because it helps us understand how LBCL is being treated and what the outcomes are in real life, especially for patients who can't have standard treatments or whose cancer has come back. This information guides future research into better care.
Will taking part in this study change my medical treatment?
No, participating in ALMANAC will not change the medical treatment you receive. Your doctors will continue to provide the best care for you, and the study will simply collect information about that care.
Do I have to attend extra appointments for this study?
No, there are no extra appointments required for this study. All the information is gathered from your existing medical records during your regular hospital visits.
Who can benefit from the findings of this study?
The findings primarily benefit future patients with large B-cell lymphoma, especially those who are frail, or whose cancer doesn't respond to initial treatment or comes back, as it will help improve understanding and guide the development of better, more tailored treatments for them.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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