December 17, 2024: 

A Big Ten Cancer Research Consortium trial, BTCRC-LUN20-462, titled, “A Phase I/II Study of Tazemetostat Combined with Abbreviated Rituximab/Bendamustine Therapy for High Tumor Burden Follicular Lymphoma in Frontline Treatment: A Big Ten Cancer Research Consortium Study,” was presented as a poster presentation at the 2024 American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting on December 9, 2024. 

Congratulations to Vaishalee P Kenkre, MD, of the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Andrew M Evens, DO, MBA, MSc, of Rutgers Cancer Institute and all co-authors!

This study explores the integration of tazemetostat with frontline bendamustine and rituximab (BR), which aimed to maintain efficacy but minimize side effects of cytotoxic chemotherapy. The primary endpoint of the phase I portion is to establish the safety and tolerability of tazemetostat in combination with BR. The primary endpoint of the phase II study is the CR rate with 3 cycles of BR plus tazemetostat followed by 3 cycles of rituximab plus tazemetostat, which was predicted to have equal to or better efficacy than 6 cycles of BR.

Learn more about this study: https://ash.confex.com/ash/2024/webprogram/Paper202639.html

About the Big Ten Cancer Research Consortium: The Big Ten Cancer Research Consortium was created in 2013 to transform the conduct of cancer research through collaborative clinical trials and observational studies that seek to improve the lives of cancer patients in the diverse communities we serve by leveraging the scientific and clinical expertise of Big Ten universities. The Big Ten Cancer Research Consortium creates a unique team research culture to drive science rapidly from ideas to treatment and prevention. Within this innovative environment, today’s research leaders collaborate with and mentor the research leaders of tomorrow. Since its founding, the Big Ten CRC has activated nearly 40 clinical trials across a wide range of cancer types, more than 1,000 participants have enrolled in Big Ten CRC studies, and more than 500 researchers have joined Big Ten CRC Clinical Trial Working Groups.

About the Big Ten Conference: The Big Ten Conference is an association of world-class universities whose member institutions share a common mission of research, graduate, professional and undergraduate teaching and public service. Founded in 1896, the Big Ten has sustained a comprehensive set of shared practices and policies that enforce the priority of academics in the lives of students competing in intercollegiate athletics and emphasize the values of integrity, fairness and competitiveness. The broad-based programs of the 18 Big Ten institutions provide direct financial support for more than 11,000 participation opportunities on 350 teams in 42 different sports. The Big Ten sponsors 28 official conference sports, 14 for men and 14 for women. For more information, visit www.bigten.org.