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Rituximab and Bendamustine Hydrochloride, Rituximab and Ibrutinib, or Ibrutinib Alone in Treating Older Patients With Previously Untreated Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

A Randomized Phase III Study of Bendamustine Plus Rituximab Versus Ibrutinib Plus Rituximab Versus Ibrutinib Alone in Untreated Older Patients (≥ 65 Years of Age) With Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)

Status
Active, not recruiting
Phases
Phase 3
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT01886872
Enrollment
547
Registered
2013-06-26
Start date
2014-01-15
Completion date
2027-06-24
Last updated
2026-08-28

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Stage I Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, Stage II Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, Stage III Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, Stage IV Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Brief summary

This randomized phase III trial studies rituximab with bendamustine hydrochloride or ibrutinib to see how well they work compared to ibrutinib alone in treating older patients with previously untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Rituximab is a monoclonal antibody that may interfere with the ability of cancer cells to grow and spread. A monoclonal antibody is a type of protein that can bind to certain targets in the body, such as molecules that cause the body to make an immune response (antigens). Chemotherapy drugs, such as bendamustine hydrochloride, work in different ways to stop the growth of cancer cells, either by killing the cells, by stopping them from dividing, or by stopping them from spreading. Ibrutinib may stop the growth of cancer cells by blocking some of the enzymes needed for cell growth. It is not yet known whether rituximab with bendamustine hydrochloride may work better than rituximab and ibrutinib or ibrutinib alone in treating chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Detailed description

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: I. To determine whether progression free survival (PFS) is superior after therapy with bendamustine hydrochloride (bendamustine) in combination with rituximab, ibrutinib alone, or ibrutinib in combination with rituximab in patients age 65 or older with previously untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). SECONDARY OBJECTIVES: I. To determine 2-year PFS in each of the three treatment arms. II. To determine which treatment arm produces superior overall survival (OS). III. To determine the complete response (CR) rate, complete and nodular partial response (CR/nPR) rate, and overall response (PR+nPR+CR) rate (ORR) among the three treatment arms and compare these arms. IV. To determine the impact of minimal residual disease (MRD)-negative disease at time of CR documentation and at 2 years on PFS and OS in each of the treatment arms. V. To determine duration of response after each of the three treatments and compare these treatment arms. VI. To determine toxicity and tolerability of the three treatment regimens. VII. To determine response and PFS of patients initially on the bendamustine in combination with rituximab arm who cross over to ibrutinib. OTHER PRE-SPECIFIED OBJECTIVES: I. To determine whether baseline cytogenetic markers, Zap-70 methylation, IgVH mutational status, or select deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) mutations predict outcomes or time to response in these three arms. II. To determine whether local fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) results for del(11q22.3) and del(17p13.1) are consistent with central analysis. III. To determine whether baseline micro ribonucleic acid (RNA) and gene expression markers are correlated with clinical outcomes of interest (e.g. progression-free and alive at 2 years versus not), as well as to explore changes in microRNA expression from baseline to post-treatment time points, with a focus on those with persistent lymphocytosis and relapse. IV. To determine whether eradication of MRD predicts longer duration of response with standard therapy and ibrutinib-based regimens. V. To describe the baseline functional status, comorbid medical conditions, and number of medications of older CLL patients who meet criteria for therapy. VI. To determine how functional status changes with therapy using baseline to 3-month evaluation and end-of-study/2-year evaluation; to determine whether this change is different among the treatment groups. VII. To determine whether geriatric assessment variables known to be associated with chemotherapy toxicity in other disease groups can also predict therapy-associated toxicity in the CLL population. VIII. To assess whether the FCGR3A polymorphism (rs396991) is correlated with depth of response (MRD status) to ibrutinib plus rituximab after 6 cycles, with secondary endpoints CR rate, rapidity of response, and progression-free survival (PFS). IX. To assess whether C1QA polymorphism (rs172378) is correlated with MRD status, CR rate, rapidity of response, and PFS. OUTLINE: Patients are randomized to 1 of 3 treatment arms. ARM I: Patients receive rituximab intravenously (IV) on day 1 (day 0 course 1) and bendamustine hydrochloride IV over 30 minutes on days 1-2. Treatment repeats every 28 days for 6 courses in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Patients experiencing disease progression may crossover to Arm II. ARM II: Patients receive ibrutinib orally (PO) daily on days 1-28. Courses repeat every 28 days in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. ARM III: Patients receive ibrutinib as in Arm II. Patients receive rituximab IV on days 1, 8, 15, and 22 of course 2 and on day 1 of courses 3-6. Courses repeat every 28 days in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Additionally, patients undergo bone marrow aspiration and biopsy, blood sample collection, and computed tomography (CT) throughout the study. After completion of study treatment, patients are followed up every 6 months for up to 10 years.

Interventions

DRUGBendamustine Hydrochloride

Given IV

PROCEDUREBiospecimen Collection

Undergo blood sample collection

PROCEDUREBone Marrow Aspiration

Undergo bone marrow aspiration and biopsy

PROCEDUREBone Marrow Biopsy

Undergo bone marrow aspiration and biopsy

PROCEDUREComputed Tomography

Undergo CT

DRUGIbrutinib

Given PO

OTHERLaboratory Biomarker Analysis

Correlative studies

OTHERQuality-of-Life Assessment

Ancillary studies

BIOLOGICALRituximab

Given IV

Sponsors

National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Lead SponsorNIH

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
CROSSOVER
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
65 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

* PRE-REGISTRATION (STEP 0) * All patients are REQUIRED to be pre-registered to A041202 in order to submit peripheral blood to the Alliance Hematologic Malignancy Biorepository (HEME) for central Zap-70 methylation. This specimen submission is mandatory prior to registration as results will be used for stratification * REGISTRATION (STEP 1) * Patients must be diagnosed with CLL in accordance with International Workshop on Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (IWCLL) 2008 criteria that includes all of the following: * \>= 5 x 10\^9 B lymphocytes (5000/uL) in the peripheral blood * On morphologic review, the leukemic cells must be small mature lymphocytes, and prolymphocytes must not exceed 55% of the blood lymphocytes * CLL cells on immunophenotype (performed locally) must reveal a clonal B-cell population, which express the B cell surface markers of CD19 and CD20, as well as the T-cell antigen CD5; patients with bright surface immunoglobulin expression or lack of CD23 expression in \> 10% of cells must lack t(11;14) translocation by interphase cytogenetics * Patients must be intermediate or high-risk Rai stage CLL * Intermediate risk (formerly Rai stage I/II) is defined by lymphocytosis plus enlarged lymph nodes at any site, with or without hepatomegaly or splenomegaly * High risk (formerly Rai stage III/IV) is defined by lymphocytosis with or without enlarged nodes and spleen plus disease-related anemia (hemoglobin \< 11 g/dL) or thrombocytopenia (platelet count \< 100 x 10\^9/L) that is not attributable to autoimmune hemolytic anemia or thrombocytopenia * Patients must meet criteria for treatment as defined by IWCLL 2008 guidelines which includes at least one of the following criteria: * Evidence of marrow failure as manifested by the development or worsening of anemia or thrombocytopenia (not attributable to autoimmune hemolytic anemia or thrombocytopenia) * Massive (\>= 6 cm below the costal margin), progressive or symptomatic splenomegaly * Massive nodes (\>= 10 cm) or progressive or symptomatic lymphadenopathy * Autoimmune anemia and/or thrombocytopenia that is poorly responsive to standard therapy * Constitutional symptoms, which include any of the following: * Unintentional weight loss of 10% or more within 6 months * Significant fatigue * Fevers \> 100.5 degrees F for 2 weeks or more without evidence of infection * Night sweats \> 1 month without evidence of infection * Prior treatment * Patients must not have had prior therapy for CLL (except palliative steroids or treatment of autoimmune complications of CLL with rituximab or steroids) * Treatment with rituximab and/or high dose corticosteroids for autoimmune complications of CLL must be complete at least 4 weeks prior to enrollment; palliative steroids must be at a dose not higher than 20 mg/day of prednisone or equivalent corticosteroid at the time of registration * Age \>= 65 years * Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status 0-2 * Patients with active hepatitis B defined by hepatitis B surface antigen positivity or core antibody positivity in the presence of hepatitis B DNA are not eligible for this study; patients with a positive hepatitis B core antibody but with negative hepatitis B DNA may participate, but must have hepatitis serologies and hepatitis B DNA monitored periodically by the treating physician * Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) can cause a false positive hepatitis B serology; if patients receiving routine IVIG have core antibody or surface antigen positivity without evidence of active viremia (negative hepatitis B DNA) they may still participate in the study, but should have hepatitis serologies and hepatitis B DNA monitored periodically by the treating physician * Patients must not be receiving active systemic anticoagulation with heparin or warfarin; patients must be off warfarin therapy for at least 30 days prior to enrollment * Patients with class III or class IV heart failure by New York Heart Association, those with unstable angina, and those with uncontrolled arrhythmia are not eligible * Patients who have had a myocardial infarction, intracranial bleed, or stroke within the past 6 months are not eligible * Patients with known human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are eligible if their CD4 count is \>= 350 cells/mm\^3 and if they are not taking prohibited CYP-interacting medications * Patients must not have any history of Richter's transformation or prolymphocytic leukemia (prolymphocytes in blood \> 55%) * Patients must not require more than 20 mg prednisone or equivalent corticosteroid daily * Patients must not have uncontrolled active systemic infection requiring intravenous antibiotics * Patients must not have continued requirement for therapy with a strong cytochrome P450 3A4/5 (CYP3A4/5) inhibitor or inducer * Patients must not have a known allergy to mannitol * Patients must not have prior significant hypersensitivity to rituximab (not including infusion reactions) * Patients may not have had major surgery within 10 days of enrollment, or minor surgery within 7 days of enrollment; examples of minor surgery include dental surgery, insertion of a venous access device, skin biopsy, or aspiration of a joint; the decision about whether a surgery is major or minor can be made at the discretion of the treating physician * Absolute neutrophil count (ANC) \>= 1,000/uL unless due to bone marrow involvement * Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) or alanine aminotransferase (AST) =\< 2.5 x upper limits of normal except if due to disease infiltration of the liver * Bilirubin =\< 1.5 x upper limits of normal (unless due to liver involvement, hemolysis, or Gilbert's disease) * Creatinine clearance \>= 40 mL/min * To be calculated by modified Cockcroft-Gault formula * Platelet count (untransfused) \>= 30,000/uL

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Progression Free Survival (PFS)Time from study entry to the time of documented disease progression or death. The analysis was event driven, performed at 2.5 years after the last patient enrolled;up to 4 years.The Kaplan-Meier method will be used to estimate the progression free survival distributions for each arm, with median estimates provided. Progression is defined as any one of the following: an increase in number of blood lymphocytes by \>= 50% with \>= 5000 B lymphocytes/mL in patients on Arm A or those on Arms 2 or 3 no longer receiving ibrutinib, \>= 50% increase in the products of at least 2 lymph nodes on 2 consecutive determination 2 weeks apart, \>= 50% increase in the size of the liver/spleen, transformation to a more aggressive histology, progression of any cytopenia (i.e. decrease of Hb levels \> 2g/dL). Progression free survival time will be the time to either progression or death whichever occurs first.

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Progression Free Survival (PFS) Rate at 2 YearsTime from study entry to the time of documented disease progression or death, assessed up to 2 yearsThe Kaplan-Meier method will be used to estimate the rate of progression free survival at 2 years in each treatment arm. Progression is defined as any one of the following: an increase in number of blood lymphocytes by \>= 50%, \>= 50% increase in the products of at least 2 lymph nodes on 2 consecutive determination 2 weeks apart, \>= 50% increase in the size of the liver/spleen, transformation to a more aggressive histology, progression of any cytopenia (i.e. decrease of Hb levels \> 2g/dL). Progression free survival time will be the time to either progression or death whichever occurs first.
Overall Survival (OS) at 2 YearsFrom the date of registration to the date of death, assessed up to 2 yearsThe Kaplan-Meier method will be used to estimate the rate of overall survival at 2 years in each treatment arm. OS will be measured from the date of registration to the date of the event (i.e., death) or the date of last follow-up to evaluate that event. Patients who are event-free at their last follow-up evaluation will be censored at that time point.
Duration of Response (DOR) (Complete Response [CR], CCR, Nodular Partial Response [nPR], Partial Response [PR], and PRL)From the date of first response until progression or death, performed at 2.5 years after the last patient enrolled; up to 4 years.The Kaplan-Meier method will be used to estimate median DOR. DOR is the time from first objective status to progression or death. CR requires all of the following: absence of lymphadenopathy \> 1.5 cm on physical exam/CT scan, no hepatomegaly/splenomegaly on physical exam, no clonal B-cells in the blood, Normal CBC, bone marrow aspirate \& biopsy must be normocellular for age. PR requires \>= 50% decrease in peripheral lymphocyte count from pre-treatment value, \>= 50% reduction in lymphadenopathy, and/or ≥ 50% reduction in splenomegaly/hepatomegaly. CR with exception of having bone marrow lymphoid CLL nodules will be considered a nodular PR (nPR). CR with exception of not having a bone marrow biopsy performed will be considered a clinical CR (CCR). PR with the exception of having less than a 50% reduction in peripheral lymphocyte count will be considered a PR except persistent lymphocytosis (PRL).
Percentage of Patients Achieving Any Response to Treatment (Overall Response Rate [ORR] [Complete Response [CR], CCR, Nodular Partial Response [nPR], Partial Response [PR], and PRL])Performed at 2.5 years after the last patient enrolled;up to 4 years.Complete response (CR) requires all of the following: absence of lymphadenopathy \>1.5 cm on physical exam/CT scan, no hepatomegaly/splenomegaly on physical exam, no clonal B-cells in the blood, Normal CBC, bone marrow aspirate \& biopsy must be normocellular for age. Partial response (PR) requires \>= 50% decrease in peripheral lymphocyte count from pre-treatment value, \>= 50% reduction in lymphadenopathy, and/or ≥ 50% reduction in splenomegaly/hepatomegaly. CR with exception of having bone marrow lymphoid CLL nodules will be considered a nodular PR (nPR). CR with exception of not having a bone marrow biopsy performed will be considered a clinical CR (CCR). PR with the exception of having less than a 50% reduction in peripheral lymphocyte count will be considered a PR except persistent lymphocytosis (PRL).Overall response rate and corresponding exact binomial 95% CI provided.
Percentage of Patients Achieving a Biopsy-proven Complete Response (CR)Performed at 2.5 years after the last patient enrolled; up to 4 years.Complete response (CR) requires all of the following: absence of lymphadenopathy \> 1.5 cm on physical exam/CT scan, no hepatomegaly or splenomegaly on physical exam, no clonal B-cells in the blood, Normal CBC, bone marrow aspirate and biopsy must be normocellular for age. Complete response rate and corresponding exact binomial 95% confidence intervals provided.
Percentage of Patients Achieving Complete (CR and CCR) or Nodular Partial Response (nPR)Performed at 2.5 years after the last patient enrolled; up to 4 years.Complete response (CR) requires all of the following: absence of lymphadenopathy \> 1.5 cm on physical exam/CT scan, no hepatomegaly or splenomegaly on physical exam, no clonal B-cells in the blood, Normal CBC, bone marrow aspirate and biopsy must be normocellular for age. CR with exception of having bone marrow lymphoid CLL nodules will be considered a nodular PR (nPR). CR with exception of not having a bone marrow biopsy performed will be considered a clinical CR (CCR). Response rate and corresponding exact binomial 95% confidence intervals provided.
Percentage of Patients Who Attain Minimal Residual Disease (MRD) Negative StatusCycle 9 Day 1 EvaluationEstimated using the number of patients who achieve minimal residual disease divided by the total number randomized to that treatment arm. Corresponding exact binomial 95% confidence intervals for MRD rates will be calculated.
The Rate of Grade 3, 4, or 5 Treatment-related Non-hematologic Adverse Events (Toxicities)Performed at 2.5 years after the last patient enrolled; up to 4 years.The rate of grade 3, 4, or 5 treatment-related non-hematologic adverse events (toxicities) by arm; excludes adverse events occurring post-crossover for patients in Arm A

Countries

Canada, United States

Contacts

PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATORJennifer A Woyach

Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology

Participant flow

Pre-assignment details

Of the 644 patients screened, 52 did not meet eligibility criteria, 19 did not register per Investigator decision, 16 did not register per patient decision, and 10 did not register for other reasons; these patients are thus excluded from the study before randomization.

Participants by arm

ArmCount
Arm A (Rituximab, Bendamustine Hydrochloride)
Patients receive rituximab 375 mg/m2 IV on day 0 of course 1 and ritixumab 500 mg/m2 IV on day 1 of courses 2-6. Patients receive bendamustine hydrochloride 90 mg/m2 IV over 30 minutes on days 1-2 of courses 1-6. Courses repeat every 28 days for 6 courses in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Patients experiencing disease progression may crossover to Arm B.
183
Arm B (Ibrutinib)
Patients receive ibrutinib 420mg PO daily. Courses repeat every 28 days in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.
182
Arm C (Ibrutinib, Rituximab)
Patients receive ibrutinib as in Arm B. Patients receive rituximab 375 mg/m2 IV on days 1, 8, 15, and 22 of course 2 and on day 1 of courses 3-6. Courses repeat every 28 days in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.
182
Total547

Baseline characteristics

CharacteristicTotalArm C (Ibrutinib, Rituximab)Arm B (Ibrutinib)Arm A (Rituximab, Bendamustine Hydrochloride)
Age, Continuous71 years71 years71 years70 years
ECOG Performance Status
0
271 Participants86 Participants87 Participants98 Participants
ECOG Performance Status
1
259 Participants94 Participants90 Participants75 Participants
ECOG Performance Status
2
17 Participants2 Participants5 Participants10 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
American Indian or Alaska Native
2 Participants1 Participants0 Participants1 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Asian
6 Participants0 Participants2 Participants4 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Black or African American
23 Participants7 Participants7 Participants9 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
More than one race
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Unknown or Not Reported
7 Participants1 Participants4 Participants2 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
White
509 Participants173 Participants169 Participants167 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Female
180 Participants57 Participants59 Participants64 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Male
367 Participants125 Participants123 Participants119 Participants

Adverse events

Event typeEG000
affected / at risk
EG001
affected / at risk
EG002
affected / at risk
EG003
affected / at risk
deaths
Total, all-cause mortality
15 / 17624 / 18022 / 1812 / 27
other
Total, other adverse events
176 / 176180 / 180181 / 18126 / 27
serious
Total, serious adverse events
87 / 176112 / 180108 / 18116 / 27

Outcome results

Primary

Progression Free Survival (PFS)

The Kaplan-Meier method will be used to estimate the progression free survival distributions for each arm, with median estimates provided. Progression is defined as any one of the following: an increase in number of blood lymphocytes by \>= 50% with \>= 5000 B lymphocytes/mL in patients on Arm A or those on Arms 2 or 3 no longer receiving ibrutinib, \>= 50% increase in the products of at least 2 lymph nodes on 2 consecutive determination 2 weeks apart, \>= 50% increase in the size of the liver/spleen, transformation to a more aggressive histology, progression of any cytopenia (i.e. decrease of Hb levels \> 2g/dL). Progression free survival time will be the time to either progression or death whichever occurs first.

Time frame: Time from study entry to the time of documented disease progression or death. The analysis was event driven, performed at 2.5 years after the last patient enrolled;up to 4 years.

ArmMeasureValue (MEDIAN)
Arm A (Rituximab, Bendamustine Hydrochloride)Progression Free Survival (PFS)43 months
Arm B (Ibrutinib)Progression Free Survival (PFS)NA months
Arm C (Ibrutinib, Rituximab)Progression Free Survival (PFS)NA months
Comparison: Arm C (Ibrutinib, Rituximab) versus Arm B (Ibrutinib)p-value: 0.4995% CI: [0.62, 1.62]Log Rank
Comparison: Arm B (Ibrutinib) versus Arm A (Rituximab, Bendamustine Hydrochloride)p-value: <0.00195% CI: [0.26, 0.58]Log Rank
Comparison: Arm C (Ibrutinib, Rituximab) versus Arm A (Rituximab, Bendamustine Hydrochloride)p-value: <0.00195% CI: [0.25, 0.59]Log Rank
Secondary

Duration of Response (DOR) (Complete Response [CR], CCR, Nodular Partial Response [nPR], Partial Response [PR], and PRL)

The Kaplan-Meier method will be used to estimate median DOR. DOR is the time from first objective status to progression or death. CR requires all of the following: absence of lymphadenopathy \> 1.5 cm on physical exam/CT scan, no hepatomegaly/splenomegaly on physical exam, no clonal B-cells in the blood, Normal CBC, bone marrow aspirate & biopsy must be normocellular for age. PR requires \>= 50% decrease in peripheral lymphocyte count from pre-treatment value, \>= 50% reduction in lymphadenopathy, and/or ≥ 50% reduction in splenomegaly/hepatomegaly. CR with exception of having bone marrow lymphoid CLL nodules will be considered a nodular PR (nPR). CR with exception of not having a bone marrow biopsy performed will be considered a clinical CR (CCR). PR with the exception of having less than a 50% reduction in peripheral lymphocyte count will be considered a PR except persistent lymphocytosis (PRL).

Time frame: From the date of first response until progression or death, performed at 2.5 years after the last patient enrolled; up to 4 years.

Population: Intent-to-treat analysis population achieving objective response

ArmMeasureValue (MEDIAN)
Arm A (Rituximab, Bendamustine Hydrochloride)Duration of Response (DOR) (Complete Response [CR], CCR, Nodular Partial Response [nPR], Partial Response [PR], and PRL)50 months
Arm B (Ibrutinib)Duration of Response (DOR) (Complete Response [CR], CCR, Nodular Partial Response [nPR], Partial Response [PR], and PRL)NA months
Arm C (Ibrutinib, Rituximab)Duration of Response (DOR) (Complete Response [CR], CCR, Nodular Partial Response [nPR], Partial Response [PR], and PRL)NA months
Secondary

Overall Survival (OS) at 2 Years

The Kaplan-Meier method will be used to estimate the rate of overall survival at 2 years in each treatment arm. OS will be measured from the date of registration to the date of the event (i.e., death) or the date of last follow-up to evaluate that event. Patients who are event-free at their last follow-up evaluation will be censored at that time point.

Time frame: From the date of registration to the date of death, assessed up to 2 years

Population: Intent-to-treat analysis population.

ArmMeasureValue (NUMBER)
Arm A (Rituximab, Bendamustine Hydrochloride)Overall Survival (OS) at 2 Years95 percentage of patients
Arm B (Ibrutinib)Overall Survival (OS) at 2 Years90 percentage of patients
Arm C (Ibrutinib, Rituximab)Overall Survival (OS) at 2 Years94 percentage of patients
Secondary

Percentage of Patients Achieving a Biopsy-proven Complete Response (CR)

Complete response (CR) requires all of the following: absence of lymphadenopathy \> 1.5 cm on physical exam/CT scan, no hepatomegaly or splenomegaly on physical exam, no clonal B-cells in the blood, Normal CBC, bone marrow aspirate and biopsy must be normocellular for age. Complete response rate and corresponding exact binomial 95% confidence intervals provided.

Time frame: Performed at 2.5 years after the last patient enrolled; up to 4 years.

Population: Intent-to-treat analysis population

ArmMeasureValue (NUMBER)
Arm A (Rituximab, Bendamustine Hydrochloride)Percentage of Patients Achieving a Biopsy-proven Complete Response (CR)26 percentage of patients
Arm B (Ibrutinib)Percentage of Patients Achieving a Biopsy-proven Complete Response (CR)7 percentage of patients
Arm C (Ibrutinib, Rituximab)Percentage of Patients Achieving a Biopsy-proven Complete Response (CR)12 percentage of patients
Secondary

Percentage of Patients Achieving Any Response to Treatment (Overall Response Rate [ORR] [Complete Response [CR], CCR, Nodular Partial Response [nPR], Partial Response [PR], and PRL])

Complete response (CR) requires all of the following: absence of lymphadenopathy \>1.5 cm on physical exam/CT scan, no hepatomegaly/splenomegaly on physical exam, no clonal B-cells in the blood, Normal CBC, bone marrow aspirate & biopsy must be normocellular for age. Partial response (PR) requires \>= 50% decrease in peripheral lymphocyte count from pre-treatment value, \>= 50% reduction in lymphadenopathy, and/or ≥ 50% reduction in splenomegaly/hepatomegaly. CR with exception of having bone marrow lymphoid CLL nodules will be considered a nodular PR (nPR). CR with exception of not having a bone marrow biopsy performed will be considered a clinical CR (CCR). PR with the exception of having less than a 50% reduction in peripheral lymphocyte count will be considered a PR except persistent lymphocytosis (PRL).Overall response rate and corresponding exact binomial 95% CI provided.

Time frame: Performed at 2.5 years after the last patient enrolled;up to 4 years.

Population: Intent-to-treat analysis population

ArmMeasureValue (NUMBER)
Arm A (Rituximab, Bendamustine Hydrochloride)Percentage of Patients Achieving Any Response to Treatment (Overall Response Rate [ORR] [Complete Response [CR], CCR, Nodular Partial Response [nPR], Partial Response [PR], and PRL])75 percentage of patients
Arm B (Ibrutinib)Percentage of Patients Achieving Any Response to Treatment (Overall Response Rate [ORR] [Complete Response [CR], CCR, Nodular Partial Response [nPR], Partial Response [PR], and PRL])93 percentage of patients
Arm C (Ibrutinib, Rituximab)Percentage of Patients Achieving Any Response to Treatment (Overall Response Rate [ORR] [Complete Response [CR], CCR, Nodular Partial Response [nPR], Partial Response [PR], and PRL])94 percentage of patients
Secondary

Percentage of Patients Achieving Complete (CR and CCR) or Nodular Partial Response (nPR)

Complete response (CR) requires all of the following: absence of lymphadenopathy \> 1.5 cm on physical exam/CT scan, no hepatomegaly or splenomegaly on physical exam, no clonal B-cells in the blood, Normal CBC, bone marrow aspirate and biopsy must be normocellular for age. CR with exception of having bone marrow lymphoid CLL nodules will be considered a nodular PR (nPR). CR with exception of not having a bone marrow biopsy performed will be considered a clinical CR (CCR). Response rate and corresponding exact binomial 95% confidence intervals provided.

Time frame: Performed at 2.5 years after the last patient enrolled; up to 4 years.

Population: Intent-to-treat analysis population

ArmMeasureValue (NUMBER)
Arm A (Rituximab, Bendamustine Hydrochloride)Percentage of Patients Achieving Complete (CR and CCR) or Nodular Partial Response (nPR)33 percentage of patients
Arm B (Ibrutinib)Percentage of Patients Achieving Complete (CR and CCR) or Nodular Partial Response (nPR)10 percentage of patients
Arm C (Ibrutinib, Rituximab)Percentage of Patients Achieving Complete (CR and CCR) or Nodular Partial Response (nPR)23 percentage of patients
Secondary

Percentage of Patients Who Attain Minimal Residual Disease (MRD) Negative Status

Estimated using the number of patients who achieve minimal residual disease divided by the total number randomized to that treatment arm. Corresponding exact binomial 95% confidence intervals for MRD rates will be calculated.

Time frame: Cycle 9 Day 1 Evaluation

Population: Intent-to-treat analysis population

ArmMeasureValue (NUMBER)
Arm A (Rituximab, Bendamustine Hydrochloride)Percentage of Patients Who Attain Minimal Residual Disease (MRD) Negative Status8 percentage of patients
Arm B (Ibrutinib)Percentage of Patients Who Attain Minimal Residual Disease (MRD) Negative Status1 percentage of patients
Arm C (Ibrutinib, Rituximab)Percentage of Patients Who Attain Minimal Residual Disease (MRD) Negative Status4 percentage of patients
Secondary

Progression Free Survival (PFS) Rate at 2 Years

The Kaplan-Meier method will be used to estimate the rate of progression free survival at 2 years in each treatment arm. Progression is defined as any one of the following: an increase in number of blood lymphocytes by \>= 50%, \>= 50% increase in the products of at least 2 lymph nodes on 2 consecutive determination 2 weeks apart, \>= 50% increase in the size of the liver/spleen, transformation to a more aggressive histology, progression of any cytopenia (i.e. decrease of Hb levels \> 2g/dL). Progression free survival time will be the time to either progression or death whichever occurs first.

Time frame: Time from study entry to the time of documented disease progression or death, assessed up to 2 years

Population: Patient evaluable for the primary endpoint are included in this analysis.

ArmMeasureValue (NUMBER)
Arm A (Rituximab, Bendamustine Hydrochloride)Progression Free Survival (PFS) Rate at 2 Years74 percentage of patients
Arm B (Ibrutinib)Progression Free Survival (PFS) Rate at 2 Years87 percentage of patients
Arm C (Ibrutinib, Rituximab)Progression Free Survival (PFS) Rate at 2 Years88 percentage of patients
Secondary

The Rate of Grade 3, 4, or 5 Treatment-related Non-hematologic Adverse Events (Toxicities)

The rate of grade 3, 4, or 5 treatment-related non-hematologic adverse events (toxicities) by arm; excludes adverse events occurring post-crossover for patients in Arm A

Time frame: Performed at 2.5 years after the last patient enrolled; up to 4 years.

Population: Patients who started treatment.

ArmMeasureValue (NUMBER)
Arm A (Rituximab, Bendamustine Hydrochloride)The Rate of Grade 3, 4, or 5 Treatment-related Non-hematologic Adverse Events (Toxicities)41 percentage of patients
Arm B (Ibrutinib)The Rate of Grade 3, 4, or 5 Treatment-related Non-hematologic Adverse Events (Toxicities)48 percentage of patients
Arm C (Ibrutinib, Rituximab)The Rate of Grade 3, 4, or 5 Treatment-related Non-hematologic Adverse Events (Toxicities)39 percentage of patients
Other Pre-specified

Geriatric Functional Status (Optional)

Assessed using the Older Americans' Resources and Services Multidimensional Functional Assessment Questionnaire, Activities of Daily Living, Medical Outcomes Study physical functioning, Karnofsky performance status rated by a health care professional, Karnofsky performance status rated by the patient, timed Up and Go, and number of falls in the last six months.

Time frame: Performed at 2.5 years after the last patient enrolled

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Aug 29, 2026