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Updated May 2026 · ClinicalTrials.gov

RECRUITINGPhase 3INTERVENTIONAL

Testing Early Treatment for Patients With High-Risk Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) or Small Lymphocytic Leukemia (SLL), EVOLVE CLL/SLL Study

Randomized, Phase III Study of Early Intervention With Venetoclax and Obinutuzumab Versus Delayed Therapy With Venetoclax and Obinutuzumab in Newly Diagnosed Asymptomatic High-Risk Patients With Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia/Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma (CLL/SLL): EVOLVE CLL/SLL Study

Testing Early Treatment for Patients With High-Risk Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) or Small Lymphocytic Leukemia (SLL), EVOLVE CLL/SLL Study (NCT04269902) is a Phase 3 interventional studying Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia and Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma, sponsored by National Cancer Institute (nci). RECRUITING as of the most recent ClinicalTrials.gov update. Talk to your doctor before contacting the trial site.

Important: This information is not medical advice. Talk to your doctor about whether a clinical trial is right for you.

About This Trial

This phase III trial compares early treatment with venetoclax and obinutuzumab versus delayed treatment with venetoclax and obinutuzumab in patients with newly diagnosed high-risk chronic lymphocytic leukemia or small lymphocytic lymphoma. Venetoclax is in a class of medications called B-cell lymphoma-2 (BCL-2) inhibitors. It may stop the growth of cancer cells by blocking Bcl-2, a protein needed for cancer cell survival. Immunotherapy with monoclonal antibodies, such as obinutuzumab, may help the body's immune system attack the cancer, and may interfere with the ability of tumor cells to grow and spread. Starting treatment with the venetoclax and obinutuzumab early (before patients have symptoms) may have better outcomes for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia or small lymphocytic lymphoma compared to starting treatment with the venetoclax and obinutuzumab after patients show symptoms.

What Stage of Research Is This?

Phase 3 trials confirm efficacy and safety in large patient groups (often 300–3,000+) and form the evidence base for an FDA approval submission. For Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, Phase 3 studies typically randomize participants between the investigational treatment and either a placebo or current standard of care. A successful Phase 3 result is the threshold most treatments need to clear before regulatory approval.

This trial is currently recruiting participants. The sponsor has registered the study with ClinicalTrials.gov as actively enrolling, which means new applicants who meet the eligibility criteria can be considered for screening. Trial status can change between updates — confirm current recruiting status with the study contact before traveling for a screening visit.

Target enrollment of 247 participants puts this in the typical range for a Phase 2-style efficacy study or a moderate Phase 3 trial in a focused Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia subpopulation. At this scale, the study has enough statistical power to detect a clear treatment effect but is not the largest cohort in the field.

Who May Be Eligible (Plain English)

Who May Qualify: - Participants must have a confirmed diagnosis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) (collectively referred to as CLL throughout) according to the 2018 International Workshop on CLL. Participants must have been diagnosed within 18 months prior to registration - Participants must have CLL-International Prognostic Index (CLL-IPI) score \>= 4 and/or complex cytogenetics (defined as 3+ chromosomal abnormalities) - Cytogenetic AND/OR FISH analyses must be completed at a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act (CLIA)-approved (or laboratories accredited under Accreditation Canada Diagnostics to conduct FISH analyses) laboratory within 18 months prior to registration. At minimum, FISH panel should use probes to detect for abnormalities in chromosomes 13q, 12, 11q, and 17p - TP53 gene mutation analysis performed at any CLIA-approved (or laboratories accredited under Accreditation Canada Diagnostics) lab (if completed) must be obtained within 18 months prior to registration. This sequencing test is distinct from FISH studies for del(17p) - Note: TP53 gene mutation analysis is recommended but not required if the participant meets disease-related study criteria via a combination of risk factors that totals a score of 4 on the CLL-IPI score and/or has complex cytogenetics completed - Immunoglobulin heavy chain locus variable (IgVH) gene mutation analysis performed at any CLIA-approved lab (or laboratories accredited under Accreditation Canada Diagnostics) must be obtained prior to registration (at any time prior to registration) - Serum beta-2 microglobulin level must be obtained within 28 days prior to registration - Participants must not meet any of the IWCLL specified criteria for active CLL therapy - Treatment with high dose corticosteroids and/or intravenous immunoglobulin for autoimmune complications of CLL must be complete at least 4 weeks prior to enrollment ...See full criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov Always talk to your doctor about whether this trial is right for you.

These are translations of the protocol\'s inclusion and exclusion criteria, simplified for patients and caregivers. The original clinical text appears below. Eligibility is ultimately confirmed by the trial site\'s screening process — this summary is a starting point for a conversation with your doctor, not a final determination.

Original Eligibility Criteria

View original clinical language
Inclusion Criteria: * Participants must have a confirmed diagnosis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) (collectively referred to as CLL throughout) according to the 2018 International Workshop on CLL. Participants must have been diagnosed within 18 months prior to registration * Participants must have CLL-International Prognostic Index (CLL-IPI) score \>= 4 and/or complex cytogenetics (defined as 3+ chromosomal abnormalities) * Cytogenetic AND/OR FISH analyses must be completed at a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act (CLIA)-approved (or laboratories accredited under Accreditation Canada Diagnostics to conduct FISH analyses) laboratory within 18 months prior to registration. At minimum, FISH panel should use probes to detect for abnormalities in chromosomes 13q, 12, 11q, and 17p * TP53 gene mutation analysis performed at any CLIA-approved (or laboratories accredited under Accreditation Canada Diagnostics) lab (if completed) must be obtained within 18 months prior to registration. This sequencing test is distinct from FISH studies for del(17p) * Note: TP53 gene mutation analysis is recommended but not required if the participant meets disease-related study criteria via a combination of risk factors that totals a score of 4 on the CLL-IPI score and/or has complex cytogenetics completed * Immunoglobulin heavy chain locus variable (IgVH) gene mutation analysis performed at any CLIA-approved lab (or laboratories accredited under Accreditation Canada Diagnostics) must be obtained prior to registration (at any time prior to registration) * Serum beta-2 microglobulin level must be obtained within 28 days prior to registration * Participants must not meet any of the IWCLL specified criteria for active CLL therapy * Treatment with high dose corticosteroids and/or intravenous immunoglobulin for autoimmune complications of CLL must be complete at least 4 weeks prior to enrollment * Steroids used for treatment of conditions other than CLL/SLL must be at a dose of at most 20 mg/day of prednisone or equivalent corticosteroid at the time of registration * Prior therapy with anti CD20 monoclonal antibodies is not allowed * Participants must not have received or be currently receiving any prior CLL-directed therapy, including non-protocol-related therapy, anti-cancer immunotherapy, experimental therapy (with exception of agents approved for emergency access use for the prevention or treatment of COVID-19), or radiotherapy * Participants must not be receiving or planning to receive any other investigational agents before completing protocol therapy * Participants must be \>= 18 years of age * Participants must have Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status =\< 2 * Platelet count \>= 100,000/mm\^3 within 28 days prior to registration * Absolute neutrophil count (ANC) \>= 1,000/mm\^3 within 28 days prior to registration * Creatinine clearance \>= 30mL/min (by Cockcroft Gault) within 28 days prior to registration * Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) \< 3.0 x upper limit of normal (ULN) within 28 days prior to registration * Total bilirubin =\< 2.0 x ULN (or 5.0 x ULN if the participant has a history of Gilbert's disease), within 28 days prior to registration * Participants must be able to take oral medications * Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected participants on effective anti-retroviral therapy with undetectable viral load within 6 months are eligible for this trial * Participants with history of malignancy are allowed providing the cancer has not required active treatment within 2 years prior to registration (hormonal therapy is permissible). The following exceptions are permissible: basal cell, squamous cell skin, or non-melanomatous skin cancer, in situ cervical cancer, superficial bladder cancer not treated with intravesical chemotherapy or Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) within 6 months, localized prostate cancer requiring no more than chronic hormonal therapy, or localized breast cancer requiring no more than chronic hormonal therapy * Participants must not have current, clinically significant gastrointestinal malabsorption, in the opinion of treating doctor * Participants must not have cirrhosis * Obinutuzumab has been associated with hepatitis reactivation. Participants must not have uncontrolled active infection with hepatitis B or C. Participants with latent hepatitis B infection must agree to take prophylaxis during and for 6 months following active protocol therapy with V-O. * Active infection with hepatitis B or C: * Active infection is defined as detectable hepatitis B deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) or hepatitis C ribonucleic acid (RNA) by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). * Latent infection with hepatitis B: * Latent infection is defined as meeting all of the following criteria: * Hepatitis B surface antigen positive * Anti-hepatitis B total core antibody positive * Anti-hepatitis IgM core antibody undetectable * Hepatitis B PCR undetectable * Participants with latent hepatitis B infection must agree to take prophylaxis with anti-hepatitis agents during and for 6 months following active protocol therapy with V-O. * Participants who have received intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy within 6 months who are hepatitis B core total antibody positive but PCR undetectable are not mandated to take prophylaxis * Participants must not have had major surgery within 30 days prior registration or minor surgery within 7 days prior to registration. Examples of major surgery include neurosurgical procedures, joint replacements, and surgeries that occur inside the thoracic or abdomino-pelvic cavities. Examples of minor surgery include dental surgery, insertion of a venous access device, skin biopsy, or aspiration of a joint. If a participant has had a bone marrow biopsy for diagnosis or evaluation of CLL, this will not exclude the participant from registration to the study. If there is a question about whether a surgery is major or minor, this should be discussed with the Study Chair * Participants must not have known bleeding disorders (e.g., von Willebrand's disease or hemophilia) * Participants must not have a history of stroke or intracranial hemorrhage within 6 months prior to enrollment * Participants must not require continued therapy with a strong inhibitor or inducer of CYP3A4/5, as venetoclax is extensively metabolized by CYP3A4/5 * Participants must not have uncontrolled autoimmune hemolytic anemia or idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura * Participants must not have any currently active, clinically significant cardiovascular disease, such as uncontrolled arrhythmia or class 3 or 4 congestive heart failure as defined by the New York Heart Association Functional Classification * Participants must not have a history of myocardial infarction, unstable angina, or acute coronary syndrome within 6 months prior to enrollment * Participants must not be pregnant or nursing, as there are no safety data available for these drug regimens during pregnancy. Women/men of reproductive potential must have agreed to use an effective contraceptive method. A woman is considered to be of "reproductive potential" if she has had menses at any time in the preceding 12 consecutive months. In addition to routine contraceptive methods, "effective contraception" also includes heterosexual celibacy and surgery intended to prevent pregnancy (or with a side-effect of pregnancy prevention) defined as a hysterectomy, bilateral oophorectomy or bilateral tubal ligation. However, if at any point a previously celibate patient chooses to become heterosexually active during the time period for use of contraceptive measures outlined in the protocol, he/she is responsible for beginning contraceptive measures * Participants must agree to have specimens submitted for translational medicine (MRD) as outlined * Participants must be offered the opportunity to participate in specimen banking for future research as outlined. * NOTE: With participant's consent, the site must follow through with specimen submission as outlined * Participants who are able to complete patient reported outcome (PRO) forms in English, Spanish, French, German, Russian or Mandarin must agree to participate in the quality of life assessments. (Those participants who are unable to read and write in English, Spanish, French, German, Russian or Mandarin may be registered to S1925 without contributing to the quality of life portion of the study.) * Participants must be informed of the investigational nature of this study and must sign and give written informed consent in accordance with institutional and federal guidelines * NOTE: As a part of the Oncology Patient Enrollment Network (OPEN) registration process the treating institution's identity is provided in order to ensure that the current (within 365 days) date of institutional review board approval for this study has been entered in the system

Treatments Being Tested

PROCEDURE

Biospecimen Collection

Undergo collection of blood samples

PROCEDURE

Bone Marrow Aspiration

Undergo bone marrow aspiration

PROCEDURE

Bone Marrow Biopsy

Undergo bone marrow biopsy

PROCEDURE

Computed Tomography

Undergo CT

BIOLOGICAL

Obinutuzumab

Given IV

OTHER

Questionnaire Administration

Ancillary studies

DRUG

Venetoclax

Given PO

Locations (20)

Trial sites listed on ClinicalTrials.gov for this study. Site activation status can vary — confirm with the specific site before traveling for a screening visit.

University of Alabama at Birmingham Cancer Center
Birmingham, Alabama, United States
Anchorage Associates in Radiation Medicine
Anchorage, Alaska, United States
Anchorage Radiation Therapy Center
Anchorage, Alaska, United States
Alaska Breast Care and Surgery LLC
Anchorage, Alaska, United States
Alaska Oncology and Hematology LLC
Anchorage, Alaska, United States
Alaska Women's Cancer Care
Anchorage, Alaska, United States
Anchorage Oncology Centre
Anchorage, Alaska, United States
Katmai Oncology Group
Anchorage, Alaska, United States
Providence Alaska Medical Center
Anchorage, Alaska, United States
Fairbanks Memorial Hospital
Fairbanks, Alaska, United States
Cancer Center at Saint Joseph's
Phoenix, Arizona, United States
Banner University Medical Center - Tucson
Tucson, Arizona, United States
University of Arizona Cancer Center-North Campus
Tucson, Arizona, United States
Mercy Hospital Fort Smith
Fort Smith, Arkansas, United States
CHI Saint Vincent Cancer Center Hot Springs
Hot Springs, Arkansas, United States
NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital and Fowler Family Cancer Center - Jonesboro
Jonesboro, Arkansas, United States
Kaiser Permanente-Anaheim
Anaheim, California, United States
Mission Hope Medical Oncology - Arroyo Grande
Arroyo Grande, California, United States
Kaiser Permanente-Baldwin Park
Baldwin Park, California, United States
Kaiser Permanente-Bellflower
Bellflower, California, United States

How to Talk to Your Doctor About This Trial

Bring the printable summary of this trial — including the NCT ID (NCT04269902), the sponsor (National Cancer Institute (nci)), and the key eligibility criteria — to your next appointment. Your doctor can review the inclusion and exclusion criteria against your medical history, lab values, and current treatments to assess whether you are likely to qualify. They can also help you weigh whether trial participation makes sense alongside your existing care plan.

Useful questions to walk through together: What does the trial protocol require beyond standard care? How long is the active treatment phase, and how long is follow-up? Are there study visits at sites I can reach? Who pays for the trial-specific procedures, and who pays for standard-of-care portions? See our 25 questions to ask about clinical trials guide for a more complete checklist.

Authoritative Sources

The official record for this trial lives on ClinicalTrials.gov — the federal registry maintained by the National Library of Medicine at NIH. For background on how this trial fits into the FDA approval pathway, see the FDA drug approval process. For oncology-specific guidance for patients considering trials, the National Cancer Institute publishes patient-oriented overviews. International trial registries are aggregated by the WHO ICTRP.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the NCT04269902 clinical trial studying?

This phase III trial compares early treatment with venetoclax and obinutuzumab versus delayed treatment with venetoclax and obinutuzumab in patients with newly diagnosed high-risk chronic lymphocytic leukemia or small lymphocytic lymphoma. Venetoclax is in a class of medications called B-cell lymphoma-2 (BCL-2) inhibitors. It may stop the growth of cancer cells by blocking Bcl-2, a protein needed for cancer cell survival. Immunotherapy with monoclonal antibodies, such as obinutuzumab, may help the body's immune system attack the cancer, and may interfere with the ability of tumor cells to grow… The full protocol is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov and includes the primary outcome measures, eligibility criteria, and study endpoints.

Who can participate in NCT04269902?

Eligibility for this trial depends on the specific inclusion and exclusion criteria set by the sponsor. The plain-English summary above translates the most important criteria into accessible language; the official clinical text is preserved in the collapsible section underneath. Whether you fit any specific trial is a medical decision your doctor needs to confirm — bring the trial information to your treating physician for a full review against your medical history.

How do I contact the trial site for NCT04269902?

Contact information registered with ClinicalTrials.gov is shown in the sidebar of this page. Before reaching out, confirm with your treating physician that this trial is appropriate for your situation. The trial site will then walk you through the screening process to determine final eligibility.

Is participating in a clinical trial safe?

Clinical trials in the United States are regulated by the FDA and overseen by Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) that review the protocol for safety. Risk varies by trial — Phase 1 studies test new treatments in humans for the first time, while Phase 3 trials use treatments that have already passed earlier safety screening. The informed consent document for any specific trial details the known risks and what to expect. Discuss those risks with your physician before deciding whether to participate.

Where can I verify the data on this page?

Every detail on this page comes directly from the ClinicalTrials.gov API. Click "View on ClinicalTrials.gov" in the sidebar to see the official, unmodified record. The federal record is always authoritative; this page is a structured presentation with a plain-English eligibility translation. For background on how clinical trials are regulated, see the FDA drug approval process documentation.

How This Page Is Built

Every field on this page is pulled directly from the ClinicalTrials.gov API v2 — no estimates, no proxies. The plain-English eligibility translation is generated from the original protocol text and reviewed for fidelity to the underlying clinical criteria. The original clinical text remains visible in the collapsible section above so users and clinicians can verify the translation. Read the full methodology for the data pipeline and known limitations.

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov API v2 record for NCT04269902. Maintained by the National Library of Medicine at NIH. Public domain. Cite as: "TrialFinderData. NCT04269902. Data: ClinicalTrials.gov."

Medical disclaimer: This page is informational, not medical advice. Talk to your doctor about whether a clinical trial is right for you.

Last updated 2026-05-08 · Data from ClinicalTrials.gov.