Real-world outcomes with novel therapies in relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Oncology
• Clinical Research

Background:

• Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is an aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
• Relapsed/refractory (R/R) DLBCL presents significant treatment challenges.
• Novel therapies are emerging, but real-world data is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the real-world outcomes of novel therapies for R/R DLBCL.
• To compare chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR T) therapy with polatuzumab- and tafasitamab-based regimens.
• To identify unmet needs in R/R DLBCL treatment.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of de-identified COTA data (2010-2021) from US patients with R/R DLBCL.
• Inclusion of patients receiving CAR T, polatuzumab-based, or tafasitamab-based therapies.
• Evaluation of demographics, clinical characteristics, and survival outcomes.

Main Results:

• 175 R/R DLBCL patients were analyzed: 73 (CAR T), 69 (polatuzumab), 27 (tafasitamab).
• Median overall survival for second-line or later therapy (2L+) was 26.5 months (CAR T), 7.8 months (polatuzumab), and 6.3 months (tafasitamab).
• Outcomes were poor for patients relapsing after CAR T, suggesting suboptimal efficacy of polatuzumab and tafasitamab in this setting.

Conclusions:

• CAR T therapy demonstrates superior median overall survival compared to polatuzumab- and tafasitamab-based regimens in 2L+ R/R DLBCL.
• Real-world outcomes for polatuzumab- and tafasitamab-based regimens in 2L+ R/R DLBCL are suboptimal.
• There is a critical need for additional and improved treatment options for patients with R/R DLBCL, especially after CAR T failure.