Odronextamab Shows Early Success for High-Risk Follicular Lymphoma

Researchers are studying an innovative way to treat newly diagnosed follicular lymphoma that could expand treatment options for patients. A new medication called odronextamab is showing meaningful early results in clinical trials, potentially offering patients a treatment path that doesn't require traditional chemotherapy.

Understanding How Odronextamab Works

Odronextamab (Regeneron) belongs to a new generation of treatments called bispecific antibodies. It works by creating a connection between lymphoma cells and your body's immune system.

One part of the medication attaches to lymphoma cells (targeting a protein called CD20), while another part connects to your body's immune cells (specifically T-cells through CD3). This design helps your immune system identify and respond to the lymphoma cells more effectively.

Current Findings from the OLYMPIA-1 Trial

The OLYMPIA-1 trial is evaluating odronextamab, specifically in people who have just been diagnosed with high-risk follicular lymphoma. This timing is significant because it explores using this treatment as an initial option rather than after other treatments.

The initial safety phase results are impressive. Among the first group of participants who received the treatment, all patients who reached the 12-week evaluation point showed a complete response. While this involved a small number of patients (five who could be evaluated at that time point), these results support continuing the research to understand the treatment's full potential.

The Treatment Process

Medical teams have developed a careful approach to administering odronextamab that prioritizes patient safety and comfort. Treatment begins with very small doses that gradually increase over the first three weeks. This measured approach, called step-up-dosing, helps your body adjust to the treatment and reduces the likelihood of side effects. After this initial period, patients receive regular treatments every three weeks, with the dose increasing over time if well-tolerated.

Managing Side Effects

As with any treatment, odronextamab can cause side effects, which have been generally manageable in the trial so far. The most common effects participants experienced were:

• Diarrhea
• Skin rash
• Mild immune reactions during treatment (called cytokine release syndrome)
• Temporary increases in liver enzyme levels

Importantly, participants could receive their treatment as outpatients, meaning they didn't need hospital stays.

Considering This Treatment Option

If you've recently been diagnosed with follicular lymphoma, you might be interested in learning whether this trial could be appropriate for you. The OLYMPIA-1 trial is specifically designed for people who:

• Have newly diagnosed follicular lymphoma
• Haven't started any other treatment yet
• Have a high-risk disease based on specific medical criteria

Next Steps

If you're interested in learning more about the OLYMPIA-1 trial, consider these steps:

1. Use our Clinical Trial Finder Tool to check potential eligibility
2. Discuss this option with your healthcare team at your next appointment
3. Learn about how clinical trials work and what participation involves

Looking Forward

While these early results are encouraging, the trial is ongoing. The next phase will compare odronextamab to current standard treatments to evaluate its effectiveness as a first-line treatment option. This research is an essential step in expanding treatment options for people with follicular lymphoma.

Source:

• Odronextamab Monotherapy in Previously Untreated Patients with High-Risk Follicular Lymphoma (FL): Results of the Safety Lead-in of the Phase 3 Olympia-1 Study