Promising Results from New Immunotherapy in Mantle Cell Lymphoma

According to a story from Medical Xpress, a recent trial evaluating a new immunotherapy in the treatment of mantle cell lymphoma has produced some promising findings. The drug is called glofitamab and 60 patients living with the disease were treated with it. These patients’ disease was considered uncontrolled even though they had on average undergone treatment with two previous regimens. 

In the study, 78% of the participants saw a complete response, meaning that cancer cells in the patient could no longer be detected. The overall response rate was 85% and includes individuals who experienced a partial response to the treatment. Following these findings, a larger phase III clinical trial has begun to pick up steam as well. 

One of the most interesting findings of the study was that responses seemed to be particularly robust in a subset of patients known for a worse prognosis. These patients are those that relapse following treatment with drugs of the bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor class. In the trial, their complete response rate was a remarkable 71%. 

Study participants were also pre-treated with obinutuzumab, with the goal of suppressing a potentially serious side effect called cytokine release syndrome. Nevertheless, this event was observed in 70% of the patients. However, cytokine release syndrome can be managed with appropriate measures. 

Findings from the ongoing phase III study could herald a breakthrough in the treatment of mantle cell lymphoma. 

About Mantle Cell Lymphoma 

Mantle cell lymphoma is a rare type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. There are only about 15,000 patients in the US. This blood cancer affects B-cells, a type of white blood cell. The risk factors for mantle cell lymphoma are not particularly well known; however, acquired genetic mutations in the affected cells are what eventually causes them to become malignant. Most patients are diagnosed in their 60s. In many cases, the disease is not diagnosed until it has reached an advanced stage. Symptoms include fever, night sweats, enlarged spleen and lymph nodes, and weight loss. Treatment options include immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapies. Mantle cell lymphoma often relapses after treatment with chemotherapy. Prognosis is difficult to predict; the five-year survival rate is 50%, but this figure improves to 70% with limited-stage disease. To learn more about mantle cell lymphoma, click here.

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Last modified: November 7, 2024