A recent real-world study has revealed that a combination therapy of rituximab (Rituxan) and lenalidomide (Revlimid) shows promising results for patients with relapsed or refractory indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma (iNHL). This study, published in Haematologica, underscores the therapy’s safety and efficacy, suggesting a significant potential for this regimen in future clinical applications.
The combination therapy of rituximab and lenalidomide, commonly referred to as R-len, received FDA approval following the phase 3 AUGMENT trial. This trial demonstrated impressive outcomes: patients with follicular lymphoma (FL) and marginal zone lymphoma (MZL) experienced substantially improved progression-free survival (PFS) and higher objective response rates compared to conventional treatments. Specifically, median PFS was reported at 39.4 months versus 14.1 months for controls, further justifying R-len’s promise.
In the new study, researchers analyzed the electronic health records of 84 patients treated with R-len at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center from June 2013 to April 2023. The cohort consisted primarily of patients with FL (82%) and MZL (18%). The results illuminated that 82% of patients achieved an overall response, with 52% reaching complete remission (CR). Importantly, the median PFS was documented at 22 months, and the two-year overall survival rate stood at an encouraging 83%.
The study also noted critical insights regarding adverse events (AEs), with neutropenia, fatigue, and thrombocytopenia being the most common complications reported during treatment. Remarkably, despite the prevalence of AEs, only one patient out of those who achieved CR did not sustain it until the end of treatment.
Given the intricate biological nuances between different subtypes of lymphoma, the authors highlighted the potential for R-len to refine standard care approaches for iNHL. With FL and MZL accounting for a significant proportion of NHL cases in adults, advancing treatment protocols can greatly influence patient outcomes.
In conclusion, these findings indicate a positive trajectory for R-len as a vital treatment option for patients facing relapsed iNHL. With continued research and data collection, the hope is to further enhance personalized therapies that align with the unique needs of patients battling this challenging disease.