Inclusion Criteria:
1. Diagnosis: Histologically confirmed aggressive B cell NHL including the following types defined by WHO 2008:
* Diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL); OR
* primary mediastinal (thymic) large B cell lymphoma; OR
* transformation of follicular lymphoma (TFL), marginal zone lymphoma to DLBCL; OR
* high grade B-cell Lymphoma NOS will also be included
2. Patients must be considered high-risk lymphoma (defined as LDH greater than upper limit of normal per institutional cut-off) at or within two weeks of leukapheresis.
3. Subjects must have received at least and a maximum one prior line of therapy for LBCL indication (i.e subjects receiving second line standard of care Axi-Cel will be enrolled in this study).
4. At least 1 measurable lesion on PET-CT or CT scan. If the only measurable disease is lymph-node disease, at least 1 lymph node should be ≥ 1.5 cm.
5. Age 18 years or older
6. Eastern cooperative oncology group (ECOG) performance status of 0 or 1. ECOG 2 permitted if performance status is solely attributed to lymphoma.
7. Normal Organ and Marrow Function
* ANC ≥ 1,000/uL
* Platelet count ≥ 75,000/uL
* Adequate renal, hepatic, pulmonary and cardiac function defined as:
* Creatinine clearance (as estimated by Cockcroft Gault Equation) ≥ 60 mL/min
* Serum ALT or AST ≤ 2.5 x ULN (except in subjects with liver involvement by lymphoma)
* Total bilirubin ≤ 1.5 mg/dl, except in subjects with Gilbert's syndrome.
* Cardiac ejection fraction ≥ 40%, no evidence of pericardial effusion as determined by an Echocardiogram.
* No clinically significant pleural effusion or ascites
* Baseline oxygen saturation \> 92% on room air
8. Ability to understand and the willingness to sign the written IRB-approved informed consent document. Subjects unable to give informed consent will not be eligible for this study.
9. Females of childbearing potential must have a negative serum or urine pregnancy test (females who have undergone surgical sterilization or who have been postmenopausal for at least 2 years are not considered to be of childbearing potential)
10. Contraception: Subjects of child-bearing or child-fathering potential must be willing to practice birth control from the time of enrollment on this study and for twelve (12) months after receiving the preparative lymphodepletion regimen.
11. If prior CD19 directed therapy, demonstrates CD19 positivity by biopsy (Flow cytometry or immunohistochemistry per the institutional criteria)
12. Prior therapy washout of at least 2 weeks or 5 half-lives, whichever is shorter, must have elapsed since any prior systemic therapy at the time the subject is planned for leukapheresis
Exclusion Criteria:
1. Prior treatment with CAR-T or adoptive cell therapy.
2. Prior allogeneic transplant.
3. No bridging therapy permitted except for steroids or radiotherapy (bridging therapy with steroids e.g. dexamethasone 40 mg for 5 days or radiotherapy is permitted). Measurable non-irradiated lesion post-apheresis needed for enrollment.
4. Active central nervous system disease from lymphoma. MRI of the brain with no evidence of CNS lymphoma if prior history of CNS involvement.
5. Prior history of allergic reactions or severe infusion reaction to Axi-Cel or any of the reagents used in the Axi-Cel infusion.
6. History of Richter's transformation of chronic leukemic lymphoma, small lymphocytic lymphoma, or lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma.
7. Any medical condition that in the judgement of the investigator is likely to interfere with assessment of safety or efficacy of study treatment.
8. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding
9. History of invasive malignancy unless the patient has been disease-free for five years.
* Exception: Nonmelanoma skin cancer or carcinoma in situ (e.g. cervix, bladder, and breast) is eligible.
* Hormonal therapy in subjects in remission \>1 year will be allowed.
10. History of stroke or transient ischemic attack within 12 months before enrollment, or seizure disorders requiring active anticonvulsive medication.
11. In the investigator's judgment, the subject is unlikely to complete all study specific visits or procedures, including follow-up visits, or comply with the study requirements for participation.
