Because B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) is often indolent, or slow-growing, some doctors might initially approach care and management with active surveillance. If and when the cancer progresses, existing treatment options include radiation, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, stem cell transplantation, and combination treatment. However, many people with B-cell NHL still progress on treatment, even though the treatment is initially effective. Because of this, it is important for research to focus on identifying therapies that could halt disease progression and induce cancer remission.
Immuno-oncology company ALX Oncology Holdings Inc. (“ALX Oncology”) is working to overcome treatment barriers through developing evorpacept. Some cancer cells use a cell surface protein called CD47 to evade detection in the body. CD47 puts off a signal that essentially tells the body not to eat or destroy it. Evorpacept is an anti-CD47 blocker, helping the body to detect cancer cells and attack them.
Evorpacept in the Clinical Setting
In an April 2024 news release, ALX Oncology shared that evorpacept, used in conjunction with rituximab and lenalidomide, showed promise in treating indolent and aggressive relapsed or refractory (R/R) B-cell NHL in a Phase 1/2 clinical study. Altogether, 20 participants enrolled. 2 participants had aggressive cancer, while 18 had indolent cancer. Prior to enrollment, all participants had previously taken rituximab. 72% (14-15 patients) had also received chemoimmunotherapy.
During the course of the study, participants received either 30mg/kg or 60mg/kg evorpacept with rituximab and lenalidomide. The research team found that overall response rate was 94% in those with indolent cancer, meaning that 94% of them responded to the treatment in some way. 83% of those with indolent cancer also had a complete response, meaning there was no sign of cancer left in their body. Additionally, the combination treatment was safe and tolerated well by patients. Some side effects did occur, but these were largely mild in nature and included anemia (a low red blood cell count), ALT and AST level increases, and fatigue. Moving forward, the company plans to continue evaluating this combination treatment in clinical studies.
ALX Oncology also shared data from the study during the 2024 AACR Annual Meeting, which took place from April 5-10, 2024. If you are interested in seeing the presentation, you may do so here.
The Facts of NHL
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a type of cancer that manifests in your lymphatic system, specifically in white blood cells called lymphocytes. Normally, lymphocytes play a role in fighting infection in your body and in immune response. NHL consists of a broad group of cancers including (but not limited to) diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), follicular lymphoma, and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). Your risk of developing NHL is higher if you have a compromised immune system or are older in age. Symptoms may vary based on which specific subtype of cancer you have. However, you can expect to see signs such as swollen lymph nodes, fever and drenching night sweats, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss.
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cancer clinical trial medical research NHL non-Hodgkin's lymphoma oncology
Last modified: June 10, 2024
