Subcutaneous epcoritamab, marketed as Epkinly, has demonstrated promising efficacy and safety in treating elderly patients with newly diagnosed large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL) who are not candidates for anthracycline-based therapies. Recent findings from the phase 2 EPCORE DLBCL-3 trial reveal that this fixed-duration treatment approach yields high rates of sustained responses, making it a viable option for this vulnerable patient population. The study highlights the potential of epcoritamab to improve outcomes in older adults facing this aggressive form of lymphoma, offering hope for better management of their condition. For more details, visit the full report on Cancer network [[3]](https://www.cancernetwork.com/view/subcutaneous-epcoritamab-shows-durable-responses-in-elderly-b-cell-lymphoma).
Q&A with Dr. Emily Thompson: insights on Epcoritamab’s Role in treating Elderly Patients with Large B-Cell Lymphoma
Editor: welcome, Dr. Thompson. We appreciate you joining us to discuss the promising results of epcoritamab, marketed as Epkinly, for elderly patients with newly diagnosed large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL). Can you summarize the key findings from the recent phase 2 EPCORE DLBCL-3 trial?
dr. Thompson: Thank you for having me.The EPCORE DLBCL-3 trial has demonstrated that subcutaneous epcoritamab is an effective treatment option for elderly patients with newly diagnosed LBCL who are not candidates for conventional anthracycline-based therapies. This trial highlighted a notable number of patients experiencing durable responses with this fixed-duration treatment approach, suggesting that it can lead to better management and outcomes in this vulnerable population. The safety profile is also considered manageable, which is critical when treating older patients who often have comorbidities.
Editor: That sounds encouraging. What does this mean for patients who previously had limited options?
Dr. Thompson: For many elderly patients, anthracycline-based therapies can pose significant risks due to potential side effects and their overall health status. Epcoritamab provides a chemotherapy-free choice that is both effective and perhaps safer. This means we can offer these patients a viable treatment pathway, which not only addresses the cancer itself but also takes into account the complexities of treating older adults.
Editor: Could you elaborate on the implications of epcoritamab’s efficacy for the medical community and industry at large?
Dr. Thompson: Absolutely. The success of epcoritamab could shift treatment paradigms in managing LBCL, notably among older populations. It underscores the need for more research into non-chemotherapy options for different types of lymphomas. The industry may also see revitalized interest in developing similar bispecific antibody therapies that can target specific types of cancer with fewer side effects.
Editor: What practical advice would you give to doctors who are considering epcoritamab for their patients?
Dr. Thompson: Medical professionals should assess each patient’s overall health, treatment history, and specific lymphoma characteristics when considering epcoritamab. It is vital to engage in discussions with patients and caregivers to ensure thay are fully informed about the potential benefits and risks associated with this treatment. Additionally, staying updated on clinical trial results and emerging data on epcoritamab will be crucial for providing the best care possible.
Editor: Are there any ongoing studies or future directions you think are critically important for our readers to know about?
Dr.Thompson: Yes, ongoing studies are critical as they will provide further insights into the long-term efficacy and safety of epcoritamab, especially in diverse patient populations. Future directions may also explore combination therapies or the use of epcoritamab in different settings, which could enhance treatment outcomes even further. Continuing to gather data from various settings will be key to understanding its full potential.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Thompson, for your insights. It sounds like epcoritamab is making significant waves in the treatment of LBCL for older adults.
Dr. Thompson: Thank you! It’s an exciting time in oncology, and I believe treatments like epcoritamab represent hope for many patients facing significant health challenges.