Epcoritamab Combination Therapy Shows Promising Results in Relapsed/Refractory DLBCL
Positive results from Arm 10 of teh Phase Ib/II EPCORE NHL-2 trial demonstrate the potential of combining the T-cell engaging bispecific antibody epcoritamab with rituximab,ifosfamide,carboplatin,and etoposide (R-ICE) for patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). AbbVie and Genmab announced the findings on january 19, 2026.
Understanding DLBCL and the Need for New Treatments
Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a cancer that starts in the lymphatic system.According to the American Cancer Society, DLBCL is aggressive, meaning it grows quickly, but it is often curable with chemotherapy. However, a notable proportion of patients either don’t respond to initial treatment or experience relapse after achieving remission.These patients with relapsed or refractory (r/r) DLBCL have limited treatment options and a poor prognosis.
Epcoritamab: A Novel Bispecific Antibody
Epcoritamab is a CD20-targeted bispecific antibody. bispecific antibodies are designed to bind to two different targets simultaneously.In the case of epcoritamab, it binds to the CD20 protein found on lymphoma cells and to the CD3 protein found on T cells. This dual binding brings T cells into close proximity with cancer cells,activating the T cells to kill the lymphoma cells. Genmab, the co-developer of epcoritamab, explains that this mechanism of action allows the immune system to directly target and destroy cancer cells.
EPCORE NHL-2 Trial: Arm 10 Results
The EPCORE NHL-2 trial is an ongoing study evaluating epcoritamab in various combinations and treatment lines for DLBCL. Arm 10 specifically investigated the combination of epcoritamab with R-ICE in patients with r/r DLBCL. The trial results showed a complete response rate of 45% and an overall response rate of 68%.
Key findings from Arm 10 include:
- Complete Response Rate: 45% of patients achieved a complete response, meaning no evidence of disease remained.
- Overall Response Rate: 68% of patients experienced an objective response, including complete and partial responses.
- Durable Responses: The median duration of response has not yet been reached, suggesting long-lasting benefits for some patients.
Significance of the Findings and Future Directions
These results are encouraging for patients with r/r DLBCL, a population with limited treatment options. The combination of epcoritamab with R-ICE demonstrates a promising efficacy profile and could potentially offer a new treatment approach for this challenging disease. Further research is ongoing to evaluate the long-term outcomes and to explore the potential of epcoritamab in earlier lines of therapy. The companies plan to discuss these results with regulatory authorities to explore potential approval pathways. AbbVie and Genmab are committed to advancing innovative therapies for blood cancers.