A phase 2 trial of extended induction epratuzumab and rituximab for previously untreated follicular lymphoma: CALGB 50701. Issue 21 (6th August 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Grant, Barbara W.; Jung, Sin‐Ho; Johnson, Jeffrey L.; Kostakoglu, Lale; Hsi, Eric; Byrd, John C.; Jones, Jeffrey; Leonard, John P.; Martin, S. Eric; Cheson, Bruce D.
• Is Part Of: Cancer. Volume 119:Issue 21(2013)
• Page Start: 3797
• Page End: 3804
• Publication Date: 2013-08-06
• Subjects: follicular lymphoma -- rituximab -- epratuzumab -- monoclonal antibody -- FLIPI score; Cancer -- Periodicals; Cancer -- Cytopathology -- Periodicals; 616.99405
• DOI: 10.1002/cncr.28299
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0008-543X

Abstract

Abstract : BACKGROUND: Rituximab combined with chemotherapy has improved the survival of previously untreated patients with follicular lymphoma (FL). Nevertheless, many patients neither want nor can tolerate chemotherapy, leading to interest in biological approaches. Epratuzumab is a humanized anti‐CD22 monoclonal antibody with efficacy in relapsed FL. Because both rituximab and epratuzumab have single‐agent activity in FL, the antibody combination was evaluated as initial treatment of patients with FL. METHODS: Fifty‐nine untreated patients with FL received epratuzumab 360 mg/m 2 with rituximab 375 mg/m 2 weekly for 4 induction doses. This combination was continued as extended induction in weeks 12, 20, 28, and 36. Response assessed by computed tomography was correlated with clinical risk factors, [ 18 F]fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography findings at week 3, Fcγ polymorphisms, immunohistochemical markers, and statin use. RESULTS: Therapy was well‐tolerated, with toxicities similar to expected with rituximab monotherapy. Fifty‐two (88.2%) evaluable patients responded, including 25 complete responses (42.4%) and 27 partial responses (45.8%). At 3 years follow‐up, 60% of patients remain in remission. Follicular Lymphoma International Prognostic Index (FLIPI) risk strongly predicted progression‐free survival ( P = .022). CONCLUSIONS: The high response rate and prolonged time to progression observed with this antibody combination are comparable to those observed after standard chemoimmunotherapies and further support the development of biologic, nonchemotherapeutic approaches for these patients. Cancer 2013;119:3797–3804. © 2013 American Cancer Society. Abstract : The doublet of rituximab and epratuzumab achieved an 88.2% durable response rate in untreated patients with follicular lymphoma, predicted by FLIPI (Follicular Lymphoma International Prognostic Index) score, with a favorable safety profile. These data support noncytotoxic approaches in these patients.