Loncastuximab for High-Risk R/R Follicular Lymphoma

Loncastuximab’s Use for Follicular Lymphoma 

Follicular lymphoma that becomes resistant to or comes back after treatment, known as relapsed/refractory, presents significant challenges. A promising approach involves a therapy initially approved for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), now under investigation for follicular lymphoma. 

This treatment is the antibody-drug conjugate loncastuximab tesirine (Zynlonta, ADC Therapeutics). Administered via intravenous infusion, loncastuximab targets the CD19 surface protein on cancer cells and delivers chemotherapy directly to them.

Juan Pablo Alderuccio, MD, from Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, led a study on loncastuximab for relapsed/refractory follicular lymphoma, advancing from a promising phase 1 to phase 2. Phase 2 results were highlighted at the 2024 ASH conference, exploring the benefits of combining loncastuximab with rituximab.

Watch Dr. Alderuccio's interview below, and read on to discover more about the trial's outcomes and eligibility to join.

How Effective is Loncastuximab with Rituximab for Follicular Lymphoma? 

The study focused on a group of 39 individuals with relapsed/refractory follicular lymphoma. The average age of the participants was 68, with the majority diagnosed with advanced-stage, high-risk follicular lymphoma. On average, these patients had received one prior treatment regimen, most commonly R-CHOP. 

Regarding the effects of combining loncastuximab with rituximab, the outcomes are notable. Twelve weeks after beginning the therapy, 97.4% of the evaluable patients experienced a reduction in cancer cells, 66.7% of which were full reductions as confirmed by PET/CT scans, indicating a complete metabolic response (CMR). For patients who did not achieve a CMR by week 12, treatment continued until week 21. By week 21, the percentage of patients who achieved a CMR increased to 80%.

At the 12-month follow-up since starting treatment, 94.6% of the participants were alive and didn’t show any advancement of the cancer. Most side effects reported were mild, including high blood sugar levels, elevated liver enzymes, fatigue, and rash.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

Dr. Alderuccio's study demonstrated that loncastuximab with rituximab effectively treats individuals with relapsed/refractory high-risk follicular lymphoma. Most patients achieved a complete reduction in cancer cells, experienced mild side effects, and the treatment controlled cancer progression for at least 12 months. 

We are eagerly awaiting the results of the combination with a larger group of patients followed for a longer period of time. Click here to check if you are eligible to participate in this study and receive loncastuximab. 

Continue Reading on the Latest Advancements in Follicular Lymphoma Treatment 

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Sources: 

• Loncastuximab Tesirine with Rituximab Induces Robust and Durable Complete Metabolic Responses in High-Risk Relapsed/Refractory Follicular Lymphoma
• Mantle Cell, Follicular, Waldenstrom’s, and Other Indolent B Cell Lymphomas: Clinical and Epidemiological: Novel Treatment Strategies and New Data on Old Standards for Follicular Lymphoma