Genentech Presents Two-Year Update for Glofitamab (Columvi) Combination Phase 3 Study Results

Can a New Treatment Combo Extend Life for Patients with Relapsed or Refractory DLBCL?

On May 22, 2025, Genentech had a press release, sharing updates for a two-year study of glofitamab (Columvi)-based treatment. The results show improved survival outcomes for patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) who are not eligible for stem cell transplants.

A Two-Year Look: Longer Life for Patients After Columvi Treatment

The Phase III STARGLO study offers new data on Columvi (glofitamab-gxbm, Genentech), a bispecific antibody therapy combined with chemotherapy, for people with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). After a follow-up of nearly 25 months, patients receiving Columvi with gemcitabine and oxaliplatin (GemOx) lived significantly longer compared to those who received rituximab with GemOx. The median overall survival was also improved by 40% in the group taking glofitamab.

Understanding this is key: DLBCL is an aggressive blood cancer, and for patients whose cancer returns or doesn’t respond to initial therapy, survival is often short. Extending life in this population is a critical outcome.

Most Patients Remained in Remission One Year After Treatment

Among patients whose cancer completely disappeared after finishing the glofitamab combination therapy, one year later: 89% were still alive and 82% remained cancer-free.

These remission rates are significant for people with relapsed or refractory DLBCL because maintaining remission means less need for continuous treatment and better quality of life.

Reduced Risk of Cancer Progression

The study also measured how long patients lived without their cancer worsening. Those treated with the glofitamab combination had a 59% lower risk of progression or death compared to the standard treatment. Additionally, 58.5% of patients had a complete response compared to only 25.3% in the control group.

This indicates that the glofitamab-based combination may not only help patients live longer but may also keep their disease under control more effectively.

A Fixed-Duration Option Without the Need for Transplant

Columvi is described as an "off-the-shelf" treatment, which means it’s ready for immediate use and doesn’t require complex preparation like personalized cell therapies. Importantly, it is a fixed-duration therapy, so patients can complete treatment in a set timeframe rather than remaining on it indefinitely.

This is especially relevant for people who can’t undergo stem cell transplants due to age, health conditions, or lack of access. Having a time-limited treatment that still shows durable results supports patient autonomy and simplifies care planning.

Safety Profile and Side Effects to Know

As with any treatment, there are side effects to consider. The most common in this study was cytokine release syndrome (CRS), a reaction from the immune system that can include fever, chills, or breathing problems. Most cases were mild. Neurological symptoms and infections also occurred in some patients.

Columvi is given through a carefully managed step-up dosing schedule to reduce the risk of CRS. Patients receive a pre-treatment and are monitored closely, especially during initial doses.

Understanding potential side effects helps patients and caregivers prepare for and manage the treatment experience.

Broad Approval and Clinical Guidelines

The Columvi combination is already approved in over 30 countries for relapsed or refractory DLBCL in patients not eligible for stem cell transplants. It is also recommended as a second-line treatment.

This broad recognition supports its use as a new standard option for many patients worldwide, where medical practices for DLBCL are similar.

What You Should Know

If you or a loved one is facing relapsed or refractory DLBCL and are not a candidate for a stem cell transplant, discussing Columvi with your care team may be worthwhile. Its fixed treatment schedule, survival benefit, and accessibility may offer a new option for managing this challenging form of lymphoma.

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Keep reading previous articles on how glofitamab (Columvi) is being used: 

• Latest Advances in Glofitamab for LBCL
• Glofitamab (Columvi) to Treat Relapsed or Refractory DLBCL
• New Chemo-Free Trials for Relapsed/Refractory LBCL

Source: 

• New Two-Year Follow-Up of Genentech’s Columvi Extends Overall Survival in Relapsed or Refractory Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma Patients