Rituximab Maintenance Research Articles

Quality of life in advanced-stage, asymptomatic, non-bulky follicular lymphoma treated with rituximab shows significant improvement compared with watchful-waiting.

Traditionally, patients with asymptomatic, advanced-stage follicular lymphoma were managed with a watchful-waiting approach until disease progression. The 'Watch and Wait' Phase-3 randomised international trial examined whether rituximab could delay the need for treatment and the effect on quality of life (QoL). In this article, we present the long-term results of the QoL aspect of the trial. Patients were randomised to watchful-waiting (Arm A), rituximab induction (Arm B) or rituximab induction followed by maintenance (Arm C). We present the QoL outcomes from 180 patients (Arm A), 188 patients (Arm C) and an exploratory analysis of 82 (Arm B) compared to 81 and 84 patients concurrently randomised to arms A and C. Arm C reported greater improvement in emotional well-being overtime (Month 37, p = 0.0078) and were significantly more likely to feel in control of their situation than watchful-waiting patients (Month 25, p = 0.0004; Month 37, p = 0.0476). Watchful-waiting patients were significantly more likely to avoid thinking about their illness, did not find learning about their illness helped them and were more likely to attach unpleasant connotations to clinic visits (Month 7, p = 0.0032; Month 13, p = 0.0015; Month 25, p = 0.0104). These results demonstrate improved QoL scores in the induction and maintenance rituximab arm, indicating that rituximab was not detrimental to QoL and resulted in an improved QoL in some domains.

NCMP-09. SPONTANEOUS RESOLUTION OF PROGRESSIVE MULTIFOCAL LEUKOENCEPHALOPATHY (PML) DEVELOPED AFTER RITUXIMAB TREATMENT FOR LOW-GRADE B-CELL LYMPHOMA

Abstract Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a rare viral infection caused by the reactivation of the JC virus, which causes significant morbidity and mortality. Rituximab, a CD20 inhibitor used for B-cell neoplasms as well as autoimmune diseases, is associated with the development of PML. Here, we report a case of a 74-year-old woman with a history of low-grade B-cell lymphoma with biopsy-proven PML with spontaneous immune reconstitution with clinical and radiographic improvement. For her low-grade B-cell lymphoma, she received six cycles of rituximab and bendamustine, followed by one cycle of maintenance rituximab, which was discontinued due to intolerance. Ten months later, she developed progressive left-sided paresthesias, paresis, and incoordination. Brain MRI revealed a large right subcortical frontal-parietal FLAIR hyperintense and peripherally enhancing lesion with leading-edge diffusion restriction. CSF studies revealed elevated protein (385 mg/dL) and negative JCV PCR. A brain biopsy was performed with tissue staining positive for SV40, consistent with PML. Her CD4 count was 88 cells/mm3. A repeat CSF sample one month later showed near normalization CSF protein (47 mg/dL) and negative CSF JCV PCR. MRI of the brain one month later demonstrated complete enhancement resolution and decreased FLAIR abnormality, which correlated with subjective and objective clinical improvement. Her serum CD4 also increased to 134 cells/mm3. This highlights a rare case of PML related to rituximab with spontaneous improvement, which may help guide clinicians in counseling patients who may also develop this complication. Furthermore, this supports the biological rationale for continued investigation of T-cell therapies to achieve immune reconstitution.

Rituximab maintenance for patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in first complete remission: Long-term results of the HOVON-84 randomized phase III study by the HOVON and the Nordic Lymphoma Group (clinical trial number: NTR1014)

Rituximab maintenance for patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in first complete remission: Long-term results of the HOVON-84 randomized phase III study by the HOVON and the Nordic Lymphoma Group (clinical trial number: NTR1014)

Treatment of retroperitoneal fibrosis with rituximab, cyclophosphamide and dexamethasone, followed by rituximab and dexamethasone maintenance, achieved disappearance of pathological PET accumulation of FDG and regression of fibrotic masses after 4 months….

Idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis is characterized by the development of inflammatory infiltrates with marked fibrosis along the large retroperitoneal vessels. Rituximab in combination with glucocorticoids constitute an effective therapy, but the responses are not long-lasting. In other similar situations, addition of cyclophosphamide to the combination achieved longer and deeper responses. This was the reason to use the triple combination in this case. A 56-year-old man came with four weeks lasting abdominal pain with CT finding of retroperitoneal fibrosis with unilateral ureteral occlusion. Biopsy confirmed retroperitoneal fibrosis with histological findings of IgG4-associated disease. Treatment with prednizone was poorly tolerated. Therefore, the patient was switched to the combination of rituximab 375 mg/m2 on day 1, cyclophosphamide 300 mg/m2 in infusion in days 1 and 15, plus dexamethasone 20 mg in infusion on days 1 and 15, repeated in a 28-day cycle. Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET/CT) examination after 4 months of treatment showed a marked decrease in FDG accumulation and complete disappearance of the fibrotic mass. After 8 months, the induction therapy was followed by maintenance therapy with rituximab 1,000 mg plus dexamethasone 20 mg in 6-month intervals. Control PET/MR examination after 3 years is consistent with complete remission. The number of circulating plasmablasts correlated with the disease activity. Treatment of retroperitoneal fibrosis with the tripple combination of rituximab, cyclophosphamide and dexamethasone achieved a very rapid disappearance of pathological FDG accumulation and fibrotic retroperitoneal mass, with complete disappearance achieved after 4 months of treatment. After 3 years of maitenance therapy, the diesease is still in complete remission on PET/MR examination. We suggest to continue the maintenance therapy with rituximab because of some increase in the number of circulating plasmablasts after prolongation of the intervals between rituximab administration.

Help or hindrance? Rituximab maintenance and COVID.

Not available.

High Risk of Transformation and Secondary Malignancies in Follicular Lymphoma Patients Treated With First-Line Bendamustine Rituximab and Rituximab Maintenance

High Risk of Transformation and Secondary Malignancies in Follicular Lymphoma Patients Treated With First-Line Bendamustine Rituximab and Rituximab Maintenance

IBCL-550 High Risk of Transformation and Secondary Malignancies in Follicular Lymphoma Patients Treated With First-line Bendamustine Rituximab and Rituximab Maintenance

IBCL-550 High Risk of Transformation and Secondary Malignancies in Follicular Lymphoma Patients Treated With First-line Bendamustine Rituximab and Rituximab Maintenance

Relapses and serious adverse events during rituximab maintenance therapy in ANCA-associated vasculitis: a multicentre retrospective study.

There are limited real-life data regarding the efficacy and safety of rituximab (RTX) as a remission-maintenance agent in microscopic-polyangiitis (ΜPA) and granulomatosis-with-polyangiitis (GPA). We aimed to estimate the incidence and risk factors for relapses, as well serious-adverse-events (SAEs) in MPA/GPA patients during RTX-maintenance. Retrospective cohort of newly-diagnosed/relapsing GPA/MPA patients who received RTX-maintenance (≥1 RTX-cycle, ≥6 months follow-up) following complete-remission (Birmingham-Vasculitis-Activity-Score-version-3 = 0 plus prednisolone ≤7.5 mg/day) with induction regimens. SAEs included serious-infections, COVID-19-associated hospitalizations, deaths, cardiovascular-events, malignancies and hypogammaglobulinemia. Incidence-rates (IR) and relapse-free survival through Kaplan-Meier plots were estimated. Cox-regression was conducted to investigate factors associated with the time-to-relapse. 101 patients were included; 48% females, 69% GPA, 53% newly diagnosed, median age: 63 years. During follow-up (294.5 patient-years, median: 3 RTX-cycles), 30 relapses (57% major) occurred among 24 patients (24%, IR 10.2/100 patient-years). Kidney involvement (adjusted-Hazard-Ratio/aHR: 0.20; 95% CI: 0.06-0.74, p= 0.016), prior induction with RTX plus cyclophosphamide (vs RTX monotherapy: aHR = 0.02; 95% CI: 0.001-0.43, p= 0.012) and shorter time-interval until complete-remission (aHR = 1.07; 95% CI: 1.01-1.14, p= 0.023) were associated with decreased relapse-risk. We recorded 17 serious-infections (IR 5.8/100 patient-years), 11 COVID-19-associated hospitalizations (IR 3.7/100 patient-years), 4 malignancies (IR 1.4/100 patient-years), 6 cardiovascular-events (IR 2/100 patient-years) and 10 deaths (IR 3.4/100 patient-years). In this real-world study, relapses during RTX-maintenance occurred in approximately in 1 out of 4 patients. Kidney involvement, induction with RTX plus cyclophosphamide and earlier achievement of complete-remission were associated with lower relapse-risk. Serious-infections rate was consistent with previous reports, whereas an increased rate of COVID19-associated hospitalizations was observed.

Rituximab maintenance after bendamustine-based treatment for follicular lymphoma and mantle cell lymphoma may exert a negative influence on SARS-CoV-2 infection outcomes.

Not available.

Update on targeted treatments for ANCA-associated vasculitis

Targeted therapy has revolutionized the management of ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) over the last fifteen years. Rituximab, an approved induction and maintenance agent for severe AAV, is no less effective than cyclophosphamide as induction therapy and particularly useful in relapsing or refractory disease, or in women. In patients with relapsing AAV, granulomatosis with polyangiitis or PR3-ANCA, it is more effective than cyclophosphamide. Rituximab maintenance is superior to the conventional immunosuppressive drugs that it replaces. Low-dose preemptive rituximab infusions are recommended every 6months for 18months, followed by re-evaluation to decide whether 4 additional biannual infusions should be administered, balancing the probability of relapse and the risk of serious infections on rituximab. A growing body of experimental and clinical data shows that C5a pathway inhibition is a promising therapeutic option for AAV, which could reduce glucocorticoids needs. Avacopan is a first approved oral C5A receptor antagonist, used when there is a high risk that glucocorticoids will cause serious adverse events. In eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis, the importance of IL-5 for eosinophil activation and survival led to evaluation and approval of mepolizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody directed against IL-5. Mepolizumab showed a steroid-sparing effect. Its effectiveness in active vasculitis remains uncertain and is currently being evaluated. Benralizumab targeting the IL-5 receptor was recently shown to be noninferior to mepolizumab. Rituximab has had disappointing results in non-severe active vasculitis and is being evaluated as maintenance therapy. Plasma exchange is not indicated as first-line treatment but remains recommended when creatinine levels exceed 300μmol/L.

Mantle Cell Lymphoma: Evolving Frontline Treatment Strategies

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a mature B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) that accounts for 3-10% of new NHL cases in Canada. The clinical course of MCL is heterogeneous, ranging from indolent behavior that does not require therapy for years, to highly aggressive disease with limited prognosis. As such, the 2022 International Consensus Classification (ICC) and World Health Organization (WHO) classifications subdivide MCL into two categories: 1) indolent MCL, which is characterized by blood involvement, splenomegaly without nodal involvement, or low-burden nodal involvement (mutated immunoglobulin heavy chain [IGHV], SOX11 negative, low Ki67 proliferative index); and 2) aggressive MCL, which is characterized by pleomorphic and blastoid morphologic appearance, TP53 aberrancy, high Ki67, and unmutated IGHV. While traditionally, patients with MCL had a median overall survival (OS) of only 3 to 5 years, there has been significant improvement over the last two decades, owing to chemoimmunotherapy with rituximab, cytarabine-based induction regimens, addition of consolidative autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT), rituximab maintenance, and the advent of novel targeted therapies (including Bruton kinase inhibitors [BTKi], venetoclax, and lenalidomide) in the relapsed setting. Despite these advances, MCL remains incurable even with aggressive therapy, and most patients will invariably relapse. As such, prospective studies integrating novel therapies with either a chemotherapy backbone or evaluating chemotherapy-free regimens are ongoing, aiming to improve outcomes and reduce toxicities. This review summarizes the current understanding of disease prognostication, treatment options, and novel therapeutic strategies that will reshape the treatment paradigm of MCL in the near future.

Efficacy and safety of rituximab induction therapy and effect of rituximab maintenance for IgG4-related disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundPrevious studies have reported that rituximab (RTX) therapy might be beneficial in reducing relapse rates in patients with IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD). Therefore, we aimed to systematically assess the efficacy and safety of RTX induction treatment and the effect of RTX maintenance in patients with IgG4-RD. MethodsThe protocol was registered in the PROSPERO (CRD42023427352). PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane database, Scopus, and the Web of Science were interrogated to identify studies that evaluated the impact of RTX on prognosis in IgG4-RD. We explored the impact of various subgroups of factors on relapse outcomes and focused on the possible role of maintenance therapy in reducing relapse rates. The pooled incidence of adverse events of RTX therapy and the influencing factors have also been evaluated. ResultsEighteen studies comprising 374 patients (mean age 56.0 ± 8.7 years; male 73.7 %) with a mean follow-up duration of 23.4 ± 16.3 months were included. The pooled estimate of the response rate, complete remission rate, overall relapse rate, adverse event rate, and serious adverse event rate of RTX induction therapy were 97.3 % (95 % CI, 94.7 %–99.1 %), 55.8 % (95 % CI, 39.6 %–71.3 %), 16.9 % (95 % CI, 8.7 %–27.1 %), 31.6 % (95 % CI, 16.7 %–48.9 %) and 3.9 % (95 % CI, 0.8 %–8.9 %), respectively. In subgroup analysis, the pooled relapse rate was significantly lower in studies with maintenance than without maintenance (2.8% vs 21.5 %, p < 0.01). Pooled Kaplan-Meier relapse curves also demonstrated that RTX maintenance therapy provided a better prognosis. ConclusionsRTX induction therapy appears to have satisfactory efficacy in the induction of remission in IgG4-RD. In addition, prophylactic RTX maintenance therapy after induction may be beneficial in preventing relapse of IgG4-RD.

Randomized study of induction with bendamustine-rituximab ± bortezomib and maintenance with rituximab ± lenalidomide for MCL

AbstractAlthough initial therapy of mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is not standardized, bendamustine plus rituximab (BR) is commonly used in older patients. Rituximab (R) maintenance after induction is often used. Thus, the open-label, randomized phase 2 ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group E1411 trial was designed to test 2 questions: (1) does addition of bortezomib to BR induction (BVR) and/or (2) addition of lenalidomide to rituximab (LR) maintenance improve progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with treatment-naïve MCL? From 2012 to 2016, 373 previously untreated patients, 87% aged ≥60 years, were enrolled in this trial. At a median follow-up of 7.5 years, there is no difference in the median PFS of BR compared with BVR (5.5 vs 6.4 years; hazard ratio [HR], 0.90; 90% confidence interval [CI], 0.70-1.16). There were no unexpected additional toxicities with BVR treatment compared with BR, with no impact on total dose/duration of treatment received. Independent of the induction treatment, addition of lenalidomide did not significantly improve PFS, with median PFS in R vs LR (5.9 vs 7.2 years; HR, 0.84; 90% CI, 0.62-1.15). Most patients completed the planned 24 cycles of LR at the scheduled dose. In summary, adding bortezomib to BR induction does not prolong PFS in treatment-naïve MCL, and LR maintenance was not associated with longer PFS compared with R alone after BR. Nonetheless, the >5-year median PFS outcomes in this prospective cooperative group trial indicate the efficacy of BR followed by R maintenance as highly effective initial therapy for older patients with MCL. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT01415752.

Impact of rituximab maintenance on survival of patients with mantle cell lymphoma: A north Indian tertiary care center experience.

e19047 Background: Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is an aggressive variant of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Indian data is scarce owing to its rarity in south-east Asia. Till now, studies have not shown overall survival benefit with rituximab maintenance (RM). Our study aims to assess if RM improves overall survival of MCL patients. Methods: We retrospectively analysed clinicopathological data of 90 transplant-ineligible MCL patients treated between January’2013-December’2023 at Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital - All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India. Rituximab-based induction chemotherapy was used in all patients as per institutional protocol. RM was used in twenty-eight (31.0%) patients due to financial constraints. Primary outcome was overall survival (OS). Secondary outcomes were event free survival (EFS) and factors affecting OS, EFS. OS was defined as time from treatment initiation to demise from any cause or last follow-up. EFS was defined as time from treatment initiation to disease progression or relapse or demise from any cause. Response was assessed by modified Cheson’s lymphoma response evaluation criteria. STATA 13.0 was used to assess survival by Kaplan-Meier analysis and log rank test. Factors affecting survival were assessed by multivariate analysis (Cox proportional hazards model) and expressed as adjusted hazard ratio (aHR). p value &lt; 0.05 defined statistical significance. Results: Median age was sixty years; male-female ratio 3:1. Thirty-five (39.0%) had one or more co-morbidities, 79(88.0%) generalised lymphadenopathy, 72(80.0%) extra-nodal involvement, 49(54.0%) B symptoms, 84(93.0%) advanced stage (III/IV), 49(54.0%) high risk MCL international prognostic index (MIPI). Clinical and tumor characteristics, response rates after initial induction were similar in both maintenance and non-maintenance groups. Overall, 52(58.0%) patients were alive with median follow-up of 63.0 months (inter-quartile range 37.0-90.0 months). Median OS was 37.5 months in non-maintenance group and did not reach in maintenance group. Estimated 1.0-, 2.0, 3.0-year OS were 100.0%, 91.0%, 81.0% vs 75.0%, 63.0%, 55.0% respectively in maintenance vs non-maintenance group. RM was significantly associated with better OS [aHR (95% confidence interval): 0.31 (0.13-0.75), p=0.01]. Advanced stage, Eastern Co-operative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS) ≥2 at presentation were also significant factors for poor OS. Median EFS was significantly lower in non-maintenance group [14.0 vs 42.5 months; aHR (95% confidence interval): 0.34 (0.18-0.64), p=0.001]. Advanced stage, anemia, high risk MIPI at presentation were also significant factors for poor EFS. Conclusions: This was the first study from south-east Asia demonstrating impact of rituximab maintenance in MCL. Rituximab maintenance significantly improved OS and EFS of MCL patients.

Real world outcomes in patients with follicular lymphoma treated with RCHOP vs BR.

e19038 Background: In patients (pts) with (w) follicular lymphoma (FL), BR is associated w improved progression free survival (PFS) compared to RCHOP. In clinical practice, RCHOP is frequently utilized in pts w grade (G) 1-2 FL w high SUVs or Ki-67% proliferation index, and G 3A FL due to concern for transformation. Using real world data, we compared treatment trends and outcomes in pts w FL treated w first line (1L) BR versus (vs) RCHOP. Methods: This study used the nationwide Flatiron Health electronic health record-derived de-identified database. Pts diagnosed w FL G 1-2 or 3A and treated between (bt) 2011-2022 w 1L BR or RCHOP were included. The primary objective was to compare time to next treatment or death (TTNT) bt the two cohorts. Overall survival (OS), and transformation and POD24 rate were also analyzed. Univariable and multivariable Cox regression models were used to evaluate the impact of various clinical factors (sex, ethnicity, ECOG PS, treatment center type, FL G, FLIPI, rituximab maintenance [mtn]) on TTNT and OS. Results: The study included 2,089 pts; 1,475 pts received BR (BR n=1387, BO [obinutuzumab] n=88,), and 614 pts received RCHOP (RCHOP n=459, OCHOP n=8, RCEOP [etoposide] n=4, RCHP n=1, RCEP n=1, RCVP n=137, OCVP n=4). Median age at diagnosis was 64. Most patients were male (53%), non-Hispanic (90%), had advanced stage disease (82%), ECOG PS 0 (57%), G 1-2 FL (85%), intermediate FLIPI (62%), were treated at a community practice (83%), and did not receive rituximab mtn (54%). At median follow up of 90 mos, median TTNT bt BR and RCHOP was 96 vs 78 mos (HR 1.146, 95% CI 0.986-1.332, p = 0.076). In a multivariable model, there was no significant association bt RCHOP and TTNT. Male sex, ECOG PS ≥ 2, and high FLIPI were associated w worse TTNT, and Rituximab mtn w improved TTNT. Among G 3A pts (n=304), more pts received RCHOP (57% vs 43%), and median TTNT bt BR and RCHOP was 73 vs 78 mos (HR 0.787, 95% CI 0.542-1.142, p=0.207). Median OS bt BR vs RCHOP was 126 vs 138 months (HR 0.878, 95% CI 0.718-1.075, p=0.207). Male sex, ECOG PS ≥ 2, high FLIPI, and treatment in community setting were associated w worse OS. Rituximab mtn was associated w improved OS. 115 (5.5%) pts had transformation to aggressive lymphoma. Transformation rates bt BR vs RCHOP were 4.83% vs 6.50% (p=0.2) among all G 1-2 pts (n=1785), and 3.85% vs 9.2% (p=0.069) among all G 3A pts (n=304). 310 (14.8%) pts had POD 24, including 13.3% of all pts treated with BR and 18.6% with RHCOP (p=0.002). Autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) was used in 26 (8.4%) POD 24 pts, among whom there was no difference in ASCT rate bt BR vs RCHOP (8.2% vs 8.8%, p=0.9). Conclusions: This retrospective analysis of real-world data showed clinical improvement in TTNT w BR compared to RCHOP in all FL patients. Among patients w G 3A FL, there was no significant improvement in TTNT with RCHOP. Rituximab mtn was associated w improved OS. Rate of transformation was higher in G 3A patients treated with RCHOP. There was low rate of ASCT in POD24 pts.

Phase 3 trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of odronextamab versus investigator’s choice in previously untreated follicular lymphoma (OLYMPIA-1).

TPS7096 Background: Follicular lymphoma (FL) is an incurable disease in which patients will relapse despite the effectiveness of first-line (1L) rituximab-based chemoimmunotherapy (CIT), indicating the need for alternative 1L treatments that can deepen and prolong response. Odronextamab, an off-the-shelf, CD20×CD3 bispecific antibody, showed compelling efficacy and generally manageable safety as a monotherapy at 3L+ for patients with relapsed/refractory (R/R) FL in the Phase 2 ELM-2 study (Villasboas, et al. ASH 2023). Objective and complete response (CR) rates were 80% and 73%, respectively, median duration of response was 22.6 months, median progression-free survival (PFS) was 20.7 months, and median overall survival was not reached. The rate of treatment-related adverse events leading to treatment discontinuation was 7.8%. The activity of odronextamab monotherapy in this heavily pretreated R/R FL population, including among patients with rituximab-refractory disease, provides a strong rationale for developing odronextamab as a chemotherapy-free option that can improve long-term outcomes in 1L. Methods: OLYMPIA-1 (NCT06091254) is a Phase 3, randomized, open-label, multicenter study of odronextamab versus investigator’s choice of CIT (R-CHOP, R-CVP, or R-bendamustine) in patients with previously untreated FL. The study consists of Part 1 (safety run-in), followed by Part 2 (randomization). In Part 1, patients will receive six 21-day cycles (induction) of intravenous odronextamab, administered in a step-up regimen during Cycle (C) 1 to mitigate the risk of cytokine release syndrome, followed by full dose starting from C2. Patients with CR or partial response at the end of induction will receive 12 doses of odronextamab maintenance given Q8W. In Part 2, patients will be randomized 1:1 to receive induction of six cycles of odronextamab followed by odronextamab maintenance, or CIT followed by rituximab maintenance. Key inclusion criteria: aged ≥18 years; CD20+ FL Grade 1–3a, stage II bulky or stage III/IV; measurable disease; and ECOG performance status 0–2. Patients with central nervous system lymphoma or histological Grade 3b are excluded. The Part 2 primary endpoint is CR at 30 months (CR30) as assessed by independent central review. Key secondary endpoints include PFS, event-free survival, investigator-assessed CR30, and patient-reported outcomes. Biomarkers (including minimal residual disease by ctDNA) will be evaluated as exploratory endpoints. This trial is currently recruiting and is expected to enroll ~12–32 patients in Part 1 and ~446 patients in Part 2 at ~200 global sites. Clinical trial information: NCT06091254 .

Phase 3 trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of odronextamab plus chemotherapy versus rituximab plus chemotherapy in previously untreated follicular lymphoma (OLYMPIA-2).

TPS7099 Background: Odronextamab, an off-the-shelf, CD20×CD3 bispecific antibody, has shown compelling efficacy and generally manageable safety as monotherapy in patients with heavily pretreated relapsed/refractory (R/R) follicular lymphoma (FL), including those with rituximab-refractory disease (Villasboas et al. ASH 2023). In the Phase 2 ELM-2 study, odronextamab demonstrated objective and complete response (CR) rates of 80% and 73%, respectively, and median duration of response of 22.6 months; median overall survival was not reached. Treatment-related adverse events led to treatment discontinuation in 7.8% of patients. These encouraging results support an investigation into whether odronextamab plus chemotherapy is superior to the current FL first-line standard of care of rituximab plus chemotherapy. This study will also evaluate whether odronextamab maintenance is required to achieve progression-free survival (PFS), given the risks associated with sustained B-cell depletion. Methods: OLYMPIA-2 (NCT06097364) is a Phase 3, randomized, open-label, multicenter study of odronextamab plus chemotherapy (Odro-CHOP/Odro-CVP) versus R-CHOP/R-CVP in patients with previously untreated FL. The study consists of Part 1A (dose escalation), Part 1B (dose optimization), and Part 2 (randomization). In Part 1, patients will receive six 21-day cycles (induction) of Odro-CHOP, in which intravenous odronextamab will be administered in a step-up regimen starting on Cycle (C) 1 Day (D) 8 to mitigate the risk of cytokine release syndrome, followed by full dose starting from C2D8. Patients with CR or partial response at the end of induction will receive 12 doses of odronextamab maintenance given Q8W. In Part 2, patients will be randomized 1:1:1 to receive induction of 6 cycles of Odro-CHOP/Odro-CVP with no maintenance (Arm A), Odro-CHOP/Odro-CVP followed by odronextamab maintenance (Arm B), or R-CHOP/R-CVP followed by rituximab maintenance (Arm C). Key inclusion criteria: aged ≥18 years; CD20+ FL Grade 1–3a, stage II bulky or stage III/IV; measurable disease; and ECOG performance status 0–2. Part 1: patients with FL that is R/R (Part 1A only) or previously untreated with Follicular Lymphoma International Prognostic Index-1 (FLIPI-1) score 3–5. Part 2: previously untreated patients with FLIPI-1 score 0–5. Patients with central nervous system lymphoma or histological Grade 3b are excluded. The Part 2 primary endpoint is CR rate at 30 months (CR30) by independent central review. Key secondary endpoints include PFS, event-free survival, investigator-assessed CR30, and patient-reported outcomes. Biomarkers (including minimal residual disease by ctDNA) will be evaluated as exploratory endpoints. This trial is currently recruiting and is expected to enroll up to 64 patients in Part 1 and ~669 patients in Part 2 at ~200 global sites. Clinical trial information: NCT06097364 .

Long term results of a new treatment strategy for follicular low grade lymphoma (FLGL).

e19035 Background: FLGL usually presents with widespread but asymptomatic lymphadenopathy, low SUVs on PET and normal LDH. It's considered incurable and standard of care has been 'watch and wait' (W&amp;W) followed later by treatment if necessary. We have described a subset of patients that we termed clinically discordant indolent histology (“CDIH”) whose behavior is more aggressive. CDIH is defined as presence of any of these: B symptoms, high LDH, SUV &gt;14 on PET, Ki-67 index &gt;30% or involvement of areas such as lung, pleura, soft-tissue, CNS and bones. Our study aims to assess real-world long-term outcome of managing FLGL with and without CDIH. Methods: We analyzed 186 previously untreated FLGL cases treated at our center from June 2002-July 2023, without opting for W&amp;W. CDIH cases typically received R-CHOP x6, then 4 FND. Non-CDIH mainly received FND-R. All received 2 years maintenance rituximab. Main objective was to assess 10-year PFS and OS of stage IV cases, comparing it in a real-world setting against our previously published MD Anderson (MDACC) data. Secondary objectives were to compare our 10-year PFS and OS in stage IV cases against historical controls based on the FLIPI-2 score. We also sought to determine prognostic value of CDIH as compared to FLIPI-2, evaluate early relapse rate (2 yrs), and assess rate of transformation to aggressive lymphoma. Results: Median age: 58 (26-93). Median follow up: 96 mos (6-261). Stage III-IV: 76%. CDIH was present in 56%. Our PFS 10 yrs for non-CDIH=96% vs CDIH=77% (p=0.002). For stage IV, PFS 10 yrs = 82% vs MDACC's 50% using FND-R. OS 10-yr= 90% vs MDACC's 85%. 67 pts were followed &gt;10 years; a relapse occurred in only 5 (7%). Our PFS 10 yr for favorable FLIPI-2 (score 0)= 97%, for intermediate (1-2) =88%, unfavorable (3-5)= 72% (p=.15). Our PFS results were consistently superior to literature data across all FLIPI-2 scores. Transformation to DLBCL= 6/186 (3%) compared to 20-30% historical controls; 5 of 6 transformations were in cases with CDIH and 4 occurred within 3 yrs. Early (&lt;2 yr) relapse rate= 2% in contrast with 20% literature data; all 4 early relapses were CDIH. Conclusions: Our findings emphasize several advantages of initiating treatment early and basing it on presence or absence of CDIH. Our data highlight the need to 1- identify CDIH for potential use of doxorubicin treatment. 2- CDIH as prognostic factor seems more effective than FLIPI-2. 3- PFS 10 yr results are remarkably superior to both literature controls and to our previous experience at MDACC with FND-R. 4- Only 7% relapses beyond 10 yrs suggest potential for cure, according to our results and those from MDACC. [Table: see text]

Benefit of rituximab maintenance after first-line bendamustine-rituximab in mantle cell lymphoma.

Benefit of rituximab maintenance after first-line bendamustine-rituximab in mantle cell lymphoma.

End of induction [18F]FDG PET is prognostic for progression-free survival and overall survival in follicular lymphoma patients enrolled in the FOLL12 trial.

To evaluate the reliability of the Deauville score (DS) in therapy response assessment and to define the prognostic value of the metabolic response of end of induction (EOI) [18F]FDG PET (PET) in follicular lymphoma patients. Adult patients with untreated grade 1-3a FL/ stage II-IV enrolled in the multicentre, prospective, phase III FOLL12 trial (NCT02063685) were randomized to receive standard immunochemotherapy followed by rituximab maintenance (standard arm) versus standard immunochemotherapy followed by response-adapted post-induction management (experimental arm). Baseline and EOI PET were mandatory for the study. All PET scans were centralized on the WIDEN® platform and classified according to DS in a blind independent central review. DS1-3 was considered negative (CMR), whereas DS4-5 was considered positive (not CMR). The primary endpoint was PFS. The main secondary endpoint was overall survival (OS). Overall, 807 follicular lymphoma patients-52% women, 89% stage III-IV disease, 40% with a high-risk FLIPI-2 score (3-5)-were enrolled in the study; 729 (90.4%) baseline and EOI PET were available for the analysis. EOI PET was positive (DS4-5) in 88/729 (12.1%) cases. Overall inter-reviewer agreement on PET pos/neg result was 0.92, while agreement on positive and negative cases was 0.77 and 0.94, respectively. The median follow-up was 69months; 247 events were registered in the 5-yr follow-up, with a 5-yr PFS of 67% (95%CI: 63%-70%). The 5-yr PFS rate for PET neg (DS1-3) and PET pos (DS4-5) patients was 71% (95%CI: 67%-75%) and 36% (95%CI: 25%-46%), respectively, with HR 3.49 (95%CI: 2.57-4.72). Five-year PFS was worse as DS increased, with 74% (70%-78%), 58% (48%-67%; HR 1.71; p = 0.001)] and 36% (25%-46%; HR 3.88; p < 0.001) in DS1-2, DS3 and DS4-5, respectively. EOI PET maintained its prognostic value in both the standard and experimental arms. In the whole population, 5-yr OS was 94% (95%CI: 92%-96%), with 96% (95%CI: 94-97) and 82% (95%CI: 72%-89%) in EOI PET negative (DS1-3) and positive (DS4-5), respectively (HR 4.48; p < 0.001). When DS was associated with FLIPI-2, patients with DS3 or DS1-2 with high FLIPI-2 (3-5) experienced worse OS than patients with DS1-2 and low FLIPI-2 (1-2) (p = 0.003). This study shows that DS is a reliable prognostic tool to evaluate EOI PET in follicular lymphoma patients, with prognostic value maintained both in the standard and experimental arms, making metabolic imaging a robust tool to assess response in FL. Moreover, although preliminary, this study provides further information on DS3 patients, who are considered as CMR but show a less favourable PFS than DS1-2 patients.