Clinical trials for follicular lymphoma
Learn how clinical trials are helping to improve treatment for follicular lymphoma and how you can get involved.
What is follicular lymphoma?
Follicular lymphoma is a slow-growing type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that originates in the lymphatic system, which is part of the body's immune defense.
It affects B-cells, a type of white blood cell responsible for producing antibodies. Follicular lymphoma is typically indolent, meaning it progresses gradually over time.
While it is often considered incurable, many patients live for years with effective management. Clinical trials continue to explore new therapies to extend remission times and improve quality of life.
What are clinical trials?
Clinical trials, also known as clinical studies or medical studies, are research investigations involving people. They are designed to evaluate new treatments, drugs, medical procedures, or interventions to determine whether they are safe, effective, and better than existing options.
Clinical trial studies play a key role in the development of new cancer therapies, offering patients access to cutting-edge treatments that are not yet widely available. Participation in a clinical trial often means contributing to progress in medicine while potentially gaining early access to innovative care.
Diagnosis of follicular lymphoma
Diagnosing follicular lymphoma usually begins with a physical examination to check for swollen lymph nodes, often in the neck, armpits, or groin. Blood tests are carried out to assess overall health and identify any abnormalities that could suggest lymphoma. Imaging tests, such as CT scans or PET scans, are used to locate enlarged lymph nodes or other signs of disease throughout the body. A definitive diagnosis typically requires a biopsy, where a sample of an affected lymph node is removed and examined under a microscope to confirm the presence of cancerous B-cells. In some cases, doctors may also recommend a bone marrow biopsy to determine if the lymphoma has spread. Accurate diagnosis is crucial to staging the disease and choosing the most effective treatment plan.
Survival for follicular lymphoma
Follicular lymphoma generally has a favorable outlook compared to more aggressive lymphomas. The 5-year survival rate is around 90%, but the disease often recurs after treatment. Many patients experience multiple remissions and relapses throughout their lifetime. Participation in clinical trials can offer access to novel therapies aimed at prolonging remission and minimizing side effects. Outcomes vary based on factors such as age, stage at diagnosis, overall health, and response to treatment.
Treatment for follicular lymphoma
Treatment for follicular lymphoma depends on the stage of the disease, symptoms, and the patient's overall health. Common treatments include:
Watchful waiting (active surveillance for patients without symptoms)
Monoclonal antibody therapy (e.g., rituximab)
Combination chemotherapy (e.g., R-CHOP, R-CVP)
Targeted therapy (e.g., PI3K inhibitors)
Radiotherapy for localized disease
Newer treatments, such as immunotherapy and CAR T-cell therapy, are increasingly being studied in clinical trials and show promise for improving long-term outcomes.
Types of follicular lymphoma
Follicular lymphoma is classified into grades based on how the cancer cells look under a microscope:
Grade 1-2: Slow-growing and typically managed with less aggressive treatment.
Grade 3A: Still slow-growing but may require more intensive treatment.
Grade 3B: Behaves more like an aggressive lymphoma and often treated similarly to diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.
Understanding the grade and extent of the disease is essential for determining the appropriate treatment strategy.
Clinical trials for follicular lymphoma
Clinical trials for follicular lymphoma are critical for developing better treatments and improving survival rates. These trials investigate new targeted therapies, immunotherapies, vaccine strategies, and combination treatments. Many clinical trials are aimed at patients who have relapsed or whose disease is refractory to standard treatments, but some studies also focus on frontline therapies.
Participation in a clinical trial can provide access to innovative treatments that are not yet available through standard care. Trials may also offer options with fewer side effects or longer-lasting remissions.
Cancer Bot makes it simple to find clinical trials for follicular lymphoma that match your medical history, diagnosis, and location. By using AI technology, Cancer Bot quickly connects you with opportunities to explore the latest advances in lymphoma care.
How CancerBot finds the right trials for you
CancerBot uses AI to match patients with clinical trials that fit their unique cancer profile. Unlike traditional search platforms that require medical knowledge, CancerBot asks a few simple questions about your condition and treatment history, then analyzes thousands of trial listings to find the most relevant options.
After you answer a few questions about your disease we present you with a list of eligible trials that you meet the criteria for. We also show you a list of potential trials that you might be eligible for with a bit more information from you. If you want to participate in a trial of interest, just click on participate when viewing the trial.
Whether you're newly diagnosed or exploring new options after treatment, CancerBot makes it easier to participate in clinical trials and explore all available care paths.
