MRD-Adapted Low-Dose Radiation Therapy During Frontline Chemoimmunotherapy for Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is commonly treated with frontline chemoimmunotherapy regimens such as R-CHOP or related combinations. Early response assessment using positron emission tomography (PET) imaging provides prognostic information but may not fully capture minimal residual disease. Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA)-based MRD assays allow for sensitive detection of molecular residual disease during treatment.

This study evaluates an MRD-adapted treatment strategy that integrates interim PET imaging and ctDNA MRD testing during frontline therapy for DLBCL. Patients receiving standard-of-care chemoimmunotherapy undergo MRD testing and PET imaging after cycle 2 of treatment. Patients with detectable MRD may receive low-dose radiation therapy (LDRT) directed at residual PET-avid disease sites, while patients with undetectable MRD continue standard therapy without radiation.

Inclusion criteria

• Adults ≥19 years of age
• Biopsy-proven newly diagnosed DLBCL, transformed from indolent lymphoma, Follicular lymphoma grade 3B, post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder, or any other subtypes of Large B-cell lymphoma under WHO-HAEM5 classification who are eligible and plan to receive 6 cycles of R-chemoimmunotherapy. Note: patients may receive up to one cycle of R-chemoimmunotherapy prior to enrollment.
• Planned to receive 6 cycles of frontline R-chemoimmunotherapy for diseases mentioned in criterion 2
• Presence of measurable disease on imaging, nodal lesion >1.5cm or extra-nodal lesion >1 cm prior to initiation of R-chemoimmunotherapy
• Availability of sufficient and viable baseline FFPE tumor tissue to allow development of a personalized MRD assay

Exclusion criteria

• Limited stage (Ann Arbor stage I-II) DLBCL, requiring less than 6 cycles of R-chemoimmunotherapy
• Primary or secondary CNS lymphoma
• Subject has exceeded maximum lifelong cumulative doses of radiation therapy or is unsafe for radiation therapy as determined by the investigator and/or radiation oncologist
• Pregnant and lactating patients
• Has received two or more cycles of R-chemoimmunotherapy relating to this disease