Follicular Lymphoma is the second most common type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. While not curable, follicular lymphoma often follows a relapsing-remitting course, meaning periods of remission can alternate with flare-ups.
About 20-25% of follicular lymphoma patients have an EZH2 mutation. This mutation disrupts normal gene function, promoting cancer cell growth. Studies suggest the EZH2 mutation might be associated with a more aggressive form of follicular lymphoma.
In 2020, the FDA approved tazemetostat (Tazverik, IPSEN), a targeted therapy specifically designed to address the EZH2 mutation. This medication offers a chemotherapy-free option for patients with relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma who have the EZH2 mutation and haven't responded to previous treatments.
Tazemetostat works by targeting the EZH2 protein, which is overactive in these patients, and switches off its ability to silence tumor suppressor genes. This allows these genes to function normally and suppress cancer cell growth in patients with the EZH2 mutation.
Previously, the R-CHOP chemotherapy regimen was the primary treatment for follicular lymphoma. Tazemetostat offers a targeted therapy option with a different side effect profile, potentially reducing the treatment burden for some patients.
Clinical trials are investigating the use of tazemetostat in various lymphomas and solid tumors. Research is ongoing to determine its long-term efficacy and safety for follicular lymphoma patients and the feasibility of combining it with other therapies.
Check all clinical trials recruiting follicular lymphoma patients close to you with our Clinical Finder Tool.
Tazemetostat represents a significant advancement in follicular lymphoma treatment for patients with the EZH2 mutation. While not a cure, it offers a targeted approach with potentially fewer side effects compared to traditional chemotherapy.
Sources:
Follicular Lymphoma is the second most common type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. While not curable, follicular lymphoma often follows a relapsing-remitting course, meaning periods of remission can alternate with flare-ups.
About 20-25% of follicular lymphoma patients have an EZH2 mutation. This mutation disrupts normal gene function, promoting cancer cell growth. Studies suggest the EZH2 mutation might be associated with a more aggressive form of follicular lymphoma.
In 2020, the FDA approved tazemetostat (Tazverik, IPSEN), a targeted therapy specifically designed to address the EZH2 mutation. This medication offers a chemotherapy-free option for patients with relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma who have the EZH2 mutation and haven't responded to previous treatments.
Tazemetostat works by targeting the EZH2 protein, which is overactive in these patients, and switches off its ability to silence tumor suppressor genes. This allows these genes to function normally and suppress cancer cell growth in patients with the EZH2 mutation.
Previously, the R-CHOP chemotherapy regimen was the primary treatment for follicular lymphoma. Tazemetostat offers a targeted therapy option with a different side effect profile, potentially reducing the treatment burden for some patients.
Clinical trials are investigating the use of tazemetostat in various lymphomas and solid tumors. Research is ongoing to determine its long-term efficacy and safety for follicular lymphoma patients and the feasibility of combining it with other therapies.
Check all clinical trials recruiting follicular lymphoma patients close to you with our Clinical Finder Tool.
Tazemetostat represents a significant advancement in follicular lymphoma treatment for patients with the EZH2 mutation. While not a cure, it offers a targeted approach with potentially fewer side effects compared to traditional chemotherapy.
Sources:
about the author
Lisa Foster
Lisa Foster is a mom of 3 daughters, a puzzle lover, writer and HealthTree advocate. She believes in the mission of the foundation and the team that builds it forward. She calls Houston, Texas home.
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