
“I think it’s really important that people keep signing up to these type of trials to push research forward.”
This trial was for people with diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) that had continued to grow or came back after chemotherapy.
Doctors usually treat DLBCL with chemotherapy. But if the lymphoma continues to grow or comes back it is more difficult to treat.
Barasertib is a drug that blocks substances () called aurora kinases. Cells need these enzymes to grow and divide. Blocking them may stop the lymphoma growing.
Barasertib has been used for other types of cancer. But doctors weren’t sure how well it would work for lymphoma.
The aims of this trial were to
The trial team found that barasertib could help people with diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL).
This was a phase 2 trial.15 people joined the trial.
After their 2nd treatment a PET-CT scan was done to see how well the lymphoma had responded. For 3 people, there was either no sign of their lymphoma (a complete response) or it had shrunk in size (a partial response). For the majority of people their lymphoma stayed the same.
The worst side effects were
The team concluded this trial showed that targeting an aurora kinase enzyme using barasertib works as a treatment for DLBCL. But because of the limited response of DLBCL to barasertib, it is unlikely to be used by itself. Further trials using barasertib aren’t been planned by the team as it is difficult to give. Also there are other promising drugs to develop.
We have based this summary on information from the research team. The information they sent us has been reviewed by independent specialists () and published in a medical journal. The figures we quote above were provided by the trial team who did the research. We have not analysed the data ourselves.
Please note: In order to join a trial you will need to discuss it with your doctor, unless otherwise specified.
Dr Chris Hatton
AstraZeneca
Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre (ECMC)
NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre
Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust
Freephone 0808 800 4040
“I think it’s really important that people keep signing up to these type of trials to push research forward.”