More follow-up needed, but findings show promise
A number of CD20/CD3-bispecific antibodies are in development for patients with relapsed/refractory B-cell lymphomas, said study discussant Kerry J. Savage, MD, of the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, who served as the discussant for the session.
Glofitamab differs from other treatments in that it is bivalent for CD20 and monovalent for CD3, “which imparts greater potency,” she noted. Glofitamab also has a silent Fc region that is designed to extend half-life and reduce toxicity.
Patients in the current study had at least two prior regimens, and importantly, “CR rates were similar, regardless of prior therapy,” said Dr. Savage. The longer follow-up cohort provides “a hint that the response may be durable.”
Looking ahead, “the important thing will be response durability” with longer follow-up, she added. “We don’t know the curative potential yet, but the results are encouraging so far.”
In the meantime, “the best use of bispecific antibodies is through clinical trials,” Dr. Savage said. “Keep an eye out for bispecific antibody combination trials as well.”
The study was funded by F. Hoffmann–La Roche. Dr. Dickinson disclosed honoraria from or serving as a consultant to companies including Amgen, Bristol Myers-Squibb, Gilead Sciences, Janssen, MSD, Novartis, and Roche. Dr. Savage disclosed relationships, funding, and support from multiple companies including Bristol Myers-Squibb, Janssen Oncology, Kyowa, Merck, Novartis Canada Pharmaceuticals, Seattle Genetics and Roche.