What's Happening?
Genmab A/S has announced updated results from its Phase 2 EPCORE NHL-6 trial, which evaluates the safety and efficacy of epcoritamab, a T-cell engaging bispecific antibody, as a monotherapy for adult patients with relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). The trial demonstrated the feasibility of administering the treatment in an outpatient setting, with 92% of patients receiving the first full dose outside of a hospital. The study reported a 64.3% overall response rate and a 47.6% complete response rate among patients who had undergone one prior line of systemic therapy. The adverse event profile was consistent with previous studies, with cytokine release syndrome occurring in 40.2% of patients, primarily at low grades, and resolving within two days. These findings were presented at the Society of Hematologic Oncology Annual Meeting.
Why It's Important?
The results from the EPCORE NHL-6 trial are significant as they suggest that epcoritamab can be administered safely in outpatient settings, potentially increasing accessibility for patients with relapsed/refractory DLBCL. This could reduce the need for hospital stays, lowering healthcare costs and improving patient convenience. The promising response rates indicate that epcoritamab could become a core therapy for B-cell malignancies, offering a new treatment option for patients who have exhausted other therapies. The ability to treat patients in community settings may also expand the reach of this therapy, providing more patients with access to advanced cancer treatments.
What's Next?
Genmab, in collaboration with AbbVie, plans to continue developing epcoritamab as a potential core therapy across various B-cell malignancies. The companies are pursuing additional international regulatory approvals for its use in follicular lymphoma and other indications. Ongoing Phase 3 trials are evaluating epcoritamab both as a monotherapy and in combination with other treatments. The safety and efficacy of epcoritamab for these investigational uses have not yet been established, and further studies will aim to confirm its clinical benefits.
Beyond the Headlines
The development of epcoritamab highlights the growing trend towards outpatient cancer treatments, which can improve patient quality of life and reduce healthcare system burdens. The trial's success may encourage further research into bispecific antibodies and their potential applications in other types of cancer. Additionally, the collaboration between Genmab and AbbVie underscores the importance of partnerships in advancing cancer therapies and expanding their availability globally.
