How it is administered

Epcoritamab is given as a subcutaneous injection, which means it is injected under the skin. It is provided in a liquid form in single-dose vials and is administered by a healthcare professional, usually in the lower abdomen or thigh. The dosing schedule involves a step-up approach during the first cycle to help reduce the risk of certain side effects, followed by regular injections every week, then every two weeks, and eventually every four weeks as treatment continues. The exact schedule and dose will be determined by your healthcare team based on your specific situation.

How it works

Epcoritamab is a type of medicine called a bispecific antibody. It is designed to help your immune system find and destroy cancer cells. Epcoritamab works by binding to two different proteins: CD20, which is found on the surface of certain lymphoma cells (including those in follicular lymphoma), and CD3, which is found on T-cells (a type of immune cell). By connecting these two cells, epcoritamab brings your T-cells into close contact with the cancer cells, activating the T-cells to attack and kill the lymphoma cells.

This targeted approach helps your body’s own immune system fight the cancer more effectively. Epcoritamab also causes the release of substances called cytokines, which help activate immune responses but can also lead to side effects. The medicine is specifically used for people whose follicular lymphoma has come back or did not respond to at least two previous treatments.

Who Should take it

Epcoritamab is indicated for adults with relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma (FL) who have already tried at least two other types of systemic therapy and whose disease has either returned or not responded to those treatments. It is also approved for certain other types of B-cell lymphomas, but its use in follicular lymphoma is based on studies showing it can help patients whose cancer is difficult to treat with standard therapies.

Your doctor may recommend epcoritamab if you have follicular lymphoma that has not responded to other treatments, or if your lymphoma has come back after previous therapies. It is important to discuss with your healthcare team whether this medication is appropriate for your specific case.

Who should not take it

There are currently no absolute contraindications listed for epcoritamab, meaning there are no specific groups of people who should never take it. However, it should be used with caution in certain situations. For example, people with active infections should not start treatment until the infection is resolved. Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should not use epcoritamab, as it may harm an unborn baby. Women should use effective contraception during treatment and for four months after the last dose.

If you have a history of severe allergic reactions to similar medications, or if you have certain immune system problems, your doctor will carefully consider whether epcoritamab is safe for you. Always inform your healthcare provider about your complete medical history before starting this medication.

Commonly used with

Epcoritamab is typically used as a single agent (monotherapy) in patients with relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma who have already tried other treatments. It is not commonly combined with other cancer medicines in this setting, but your doctor may recommend supportive medications such as corticosteroids, acetaminophen, and antihistamines to help prevent or manage side effects like cytokine release syndrome.

You may also receive preventive medications for infections, such as antibiotics or antivirals, as part of your treatment plan.

Commonly tested with

Epcoritamab has been studied as a single agent in clinical trials for follicular lymphoma and other B-cell lymphomas. In these studies, it was not routinely combined with other anti-cancer drugs, but patients may have received supportive care medications to manage side effects. In the future, clinical trials may explore combinations with other targeted therapies or immunotherapies, but for now, its main use is as a single agent after other treatments have failed.