A new treatment, epcoritamab, has been approved for use in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) whose cancer has returned or has not responded to previous treatments. This approval offers renewed hope for individuals with this aggressive form of blood cancer, where existing options have been limited.
DLBCL is an aggressive subtype of blood cancer, with approximately 5,500 new diagnoses each year in the UK. It represents a significant challenge in oncology due to its rapid progression and potential for relapse. For around 700 patients with the most severe form of the disease, treatment choices have been largely confined to intravenous drugs, often with limited success.
Epcoritamab offers a different approach, administered via injection to stimulate the body's immune system to target and eliminate cancer cells. This mechanism of action, harnessing the power of the immune system, represents a significant advancement in the treatment of DLBCL. The less invasive administration route is also expected to improve patient convenience and adherence.
Professor Chris Fox, from the University of Nottingham, emphasized the importance of this approval, stating it is "good news for patients and the clinical community." He further noted that "treatment options for this hard-to-treat group of patients have been limited," leading to poor prognoses for many. The NICE decision is therefore expected to be highly beneficial for both patients and clinicians.
Jane Thacker, a 79-year-old patient diagnosed with DLBCL in 2006, shared her experience, highlighting the impact of new treatments. After relapsing four times, she is now in remission thanks to epcoritamab and has returned to her "energetic self."
