The phase 3 EPCORE DLBCL-4 trial found that a chemotherapy-free combination of epcoritamab (Epkinly) and lenalidomide (Revlimid) significantly improved progression-free survival compared with R-GemOx chemotherapy in patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL).
The treatment reduced the risk of disease progression or death by 56%–60%, depending on the analysis. No new safety concerns were identified, and the side effects were consistent with the known safety profiles of the two drugs.
The trial enrolled adults whose lymphoma had returned after at least one previous treatment and who had failed, were ineligible for, or declined stem cell transplant, or were not eligible for CAR T-cell therapy.
Researchers also evaluated overall survival, complete response rate, and minimal residual disease. Full study results will be presented at an upcoming medical meeting and submitted to regulatory authorities. Epcoritamab is already FDA-approved as a single-agent treatment for relapsed or refractory DLBCL after two or more prior therapies.