Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 17, 2026

Flow Cytometry-based Assay for the Monitoring of NK Cell Functions
08:17

Flow Cytometry-based Assay for the Monitoring of NK Cell Functions

Published on: October 30, 2016

Liposomal mitoxantrone plus tislelizumab in patients with relapsed or refractory extranodal natural killer/T-cell

Qihua Zou1,2, Shenrui Bai1,3, Liang Wang4

  • 1State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, P.R. China.

Nature Communications
|June 15, 2026
PubMed

Insights

This study shows liposomal mitoxantrone plus tislelizumab is a safe and effective treatment for relapsed or refractory extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (R/R ENKTL). The combination therapy achieved a 53% complete response rate, offering new hope for patients with limited options.

Area of Science:

  • Hematology
  • Oncology
  • Clinical Trials

Background:

  • Relapsed or refractory extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (R/R ENKTL) has limited treatment options.
  • There is an unmet need for novel therapeutic strategies in R/R ENKTL.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the safety and efficacy of liposomal mitoxantrone (Lipo-MIT) combined with the anti-PD-1 antibody tislelizumab in patients with R/R ENKTL.
  • To determine the recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D) of Lipo-MIT in this patient population.

Main Methods:

  • A phase 1b/2 clinical trial (NCT05464433) involving dose escalation and dose expansion phases.
  • Patients received escalating doses of Lipo-MIT (16 or 20 mg/m²) plus tislelizumab, with dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) assessed during dose escalation to determine the RP2D.
  • The primary efficacy endpoint was the best complete response (CR) rate in the dose expansion phase.

Main Results:

  • No DLTs were observed, and the RP2D of Lipo-MIT was established at 20 mg/m².
  • A CR rate of 53% (21/40) was achieved, meeting the primary efficacy endpoint.
  • Median progression-free survival was 8.2 months. Common grade ≥3 adverse events included leukopenia (53%), neutropenia (40%), and febrile neutropenia (18%).

Conclusions:

  • Liposomal mitoxantrone plus tislelizumab demonstrates promising anti-tumor activity in R/R ENKTL.
  • The combination therapy exhibits an acceptable safety profile in this patient group.
  • This regimen represents a potential new treatment option for patients with R/R ENKTL.

More Related Videos

Advances in Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Chimeric Antigen Receptor-Expressing Natural Killer Cells11:08

Advances in Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Chimeric Antigen Receptor-Expressing Natural Killer Cells

Published on: February 14, 2025

Related Concept Videos

Treatment Resistent Cancers02:56

Treatment Resistent Cancers

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. A cancer cell is genetically unstable and hence can mutate faster. They can also modify their microenvironment and escape immune surveillance. The difficulties in treating cancer are further compounded by the emergence of rapid resistance to anticancer drugs. The most common ways to attain resistance in cancer cells include alteration in drug transport and metabolism, modification of drug target, elevated DNA damage response, or...
Treatment Resistant Cancers02:56

Treatment Resistant Cancers

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. A cancer cell is genetically unstable and hence can mutate faster. They can also modify their microenvironment and escape immune surveillance. The difficulties in treating cancer are further compounded by the emergence of rapid resistance to anticancer drugs. The most common ways to attain resistance in cancer cells include alteration in drug transport and metabolism, modification of drug target, elevated DNA damage response, or...