Common brand names

• Polivy

How it is administered

Polatuzumab vedotin is given as an intravenous (IV) infusion. It is supplied as a sterile, white to grayish-white, preservative-free, lyophilized powder, which is reconstituted and diluted before administration. The recommended dose is 1.8 mg/kg, administered every 21 days for 6 cycles, in combination with other chemotherapy agents. The first infusion is given over 90 minutes, and if tolerated, subsequent infusions may be given over 30 minutes. Premedication with an antihistamine and antipyretic is recommended to reduce the risk of infusion-related reactions.

How it works

Polatuzumab vedotin is a targeted therapy known as an antibody-drug conjugate. It consists of a monoclonal antibody that specifically binds to CD79b, a protein found on the surface of B cells, including many lymphoma cells. Attached to this antibody is a chemotherapy drug called MMAE, which is a microtubule inhibitor.

When polatuzumab vedotin binds to CD79b on the cancer cell, it is taken inside the cell. Once inside, the linker between the antibody and MMAE is broken down, releasing MMAE directly into the cell. MMAE then interferes with the cell’s ability to divide by disrupting the microtubules, which are essential for cell division. This targeted delivery helps kill the lymphoma cells while limiting exposure of healthy cells to the chemotherapy component.

Who should take it

Polatuzumab vedotin is indicated for adults with certain types of B-cell lymphomas, specifically:

• In combination with rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and prednisone (R-CHP) for previously untreated diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), not otherwise specified, or high-grade B-cell lymphoma (HGBL) with an International Prognostic Index score of 2 or greater.
• In combination with bendamustine and rituximab for adults with relapsed or refractory DLBCL, not otherwise specified, after at least two prior therapies.

While polatuzumab vedotin is not specifically approved for follicular lymphoma, it is used in blood cancers where B cells are involved, and your doctor may consider it if other treatments have not worked.

Who should not take it

There are no absolute contraindications listed for polatuzumab vedotin. However, it should be used with caution in certain populations:

• Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant, as it can cause harm to the unborn baby.
• Patients with pre-existing peripheral neuropathy, as the medication can worsen nerve problems.
• Those with active, serious infections or significant liver problems should be monitored closely.

Always inform your healthcare provider about your full medical history before starting this medication.

Commonly used with

Polatuzumab vedotin is most commonly used in combination with other chemotherapy agents, such as:

• Rituximab
• Cyclophosphamide
• Doxorubicin
• Prednisone (R-CHP regimen)
• Bendamustine (in relapsed/refractory cases)

These combinations are chosen based on your specific type of lymphoma and treatment history.

Commonly tested with

Polatuzumab vedotin has been tested in clinical trials with:

• Rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and prednisone (R-CHP) for previously untreated DLBCL
• Bendamustine and rituximab for relapsed or refractory DLBCL

These combinations have been shown to improve outcomes in patients with certain types of aggressive B-cell lymphomas.