Tag: John Leonard MD

Palbociclib Displays Promising Results

Palbociclib (PD 0332991) is generating significant excitement according to an April 6th online article from the New York Times. The article cites the results of a recently reported phase II trial in which women with metastatic breast cancer were randomized to receive letrozole plus palbociclib or letrozole alone. Women receiving the combination had their risk of progression cut in half compared to the group that received letrozole alone. These results come roughly one year after the FDA granted Breakthrough Therapy designation to palbociclib, which may help speed up the drug approval process.

Palbociclib is a highly specific oral drug that binds to and inhibits a specific subtype of enzymes called cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK). The same enzymes are critical to the development and progression of mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). Investigators at Weill Cornell Medical College have been leading the evaluation of palbociclib in MCL. Within the next month, we will open a phase I trial evaluating the combination of palbociclib plus ibrutinib in patients with previously treated MCL. For additional information regarding the upcoming trial or other trials in lymphoma, call Amelyn Rodriguez, RN at (212) 746-1362 or e-mail Amelyn at amr2017@med.cornell.edu.

New Clinical Trials: Innovative Approaches for Follicular Lymphoma

The Weill Cornell Lymphoma Program has recently opened two clinical trials sponsored by The Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology. These trials are notable for their innovative approach. As Lymphoma Program Director and current chair of the committee, Dr. John Leonard explained, “Under the leadership of Bruce Cheson, MD, the lymphoma committee has been focused on ‘biologic doublets’ with targeted agents, a treatment approach that has been quite innovative. Following up on his work we are now moving toward ‘targeted triplet therapy’ which is a first in lymphoma therapeutics. These are important steps as we move such ‘chemotherapy-free’ approaches more and more into standard treatment.”

A051103 – A Phase I Study of Rituximab, Lenalidomide, and Ibrutinib in Previously Untreated Follicular Lymphoma

In the first trial, principal investigator, Dr. Peter Martin seeks to evaluate the effect of rituximab, lenalidomide, and ibrutinib in untreated follicular lymphoma. For more information about the untreated follicular lymphoma trial, please call Amelyn Rodriguez, RN at (212) 746-1362 or e-mail Amelyn at amr2017@med.cornell.edu.

Key Eligibility
  • Untreated Follicular Lymphoma
  • No prior systemic therapy for non-Hodgkin lymphoma
  • Detailed eligibility reviewed when you contact the study team

Study Details

The purpose of the study is to test the combination of the drugs lenalidomide and ibrutinib (also called PCI-32765) at different dose levels, in combination with the drug rituximab. The study is evaluating the side effects and best dose of lenalidomide and ibrutinib for combination with rituximab in previously untreated follicular lymphoma.

Treatment Plan

Over the course of  each 28 day treatment cycle patients will receive lenalidomide by mouth every day on Days 1 through 21, ibrutinib by mouth on Days 1 through 28 of each cycle, and rituximab via infusion on Days 1, 8, 15, & 22 of Cycle 1 and during the first week of Cycle 4 & 6 & 10. 

Different dosses of lenalidomide and ibrutinib will be tested in small groups of participants.

A051202 – A Phase I Trial of Lenalidomide, Rituximab, and Idelalisib in Recurrent Follicular Lymphoma

In the second trial, principal investigator, Dr. John Leonard seeks to evaluate the effect of lenalidomide, rituximab, and idelalisib in recurrent follicular lymphoma. For more information about the recurrent follicular lymphoma trial, please call Amelyn Rodriguez, RN at (212) 746-1362 or e-mail Amelyn at amr2017@med.cornell.edu.

Key Eligibility
  • Men and women age 18 and older
  • Previously treated follicular lymphoma
  • Must have had prior treatment with rituximab either alone or in combination with chemotherapy
  • Detailed eligibility reviewed when you contact the study team

Study Details

The purpose of the study is to test the combination of the drugs lenalidomide and idelalisib at different dose levels, in combination with the drug rituximab. The study is evaluating the side effects and best dose of lenalidomide when given with rituximab and idelalisib in people with recurrent follicular lymphoma. Rituximab is FDA-approved for use in follicular lymphoma, but lenalidomide and idelalisib are not FDA-approved for treating follicular lymphoma.

Treatment Plans

Treatment cycles are 21 days long. Participants will receive lenalidomide by mouth once a day on Days 1 through 21, followed by one week off, of each cycle for 12 cycles, idelalisib by mouth twice a day for 12 cycles, and rituximab via infusion during Cycle 1 on Day 15 & 22, and on Day 1 of Cycle 2 for a total of 4 infusions.

Click here to view all current lymphoma trials at Weill Cornell Medical College

Weill Cornell’s Dr. John Leonard Named Chair of NCI’s Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology Lymphoma Committee

Weill Cornell’s Dr. John Leonard has been named chair of the Lymphoma Committee for the prestigious Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology, sponsored by the National Cancer Institute (NCI).

John Leonard, MD
John Leonard, MD

Dr. Leonard is the Associate Dean for Clinical Research at Weill Cornell Medical College, the director of the Joint Clinical Trials Office at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical College, and the clinical director of the Weill Cornell Lymphoma Program. An internationally-recognized hematology and oncology expert specializing in the treatment of lymphoma, Dr. Leonard has been a pioneer in the development of novel lymphoma therapeutics. .

In his role as chair of the NCI-sponsored Lymphoma Committee, Dr. Leonard will help guide the national agenda for lymphoma research by developing, supporting and shepherding Phase II and Phase III clinical trials funded by NCI at medical centers around the United States. Dr. Leonard will direct a team of lymphoma clinical and laboratory researchers from academic and community medical centers across the country to create and implement new standards of treatment as well as foster the development of novel therapeutics.

“I am honored and deeply humbled to be chosen to lead this vital national effort to improve cancer care for patients in the United States,” said Dr. Leonard. “This appointment, I believe, is a true reflection of the programs and major accomplishments we’ve made here at Weill Cornell in advancing lymphoma research and clinical care. We are recognized as a leading center internationally in contributing new approaches to lymphoma management, and I am excited to continue collaborating with colleagues both here and across the country to move the field forward and improve the effectiveness of therapies that are available for patients.”