Currently, ZYNLONTA (loncastuximab tesirine-lpyl) is approved for the treatment of individuals with relapsed or refractory (R/R) diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) for which two prior therapies had not worked. According to a press release from commercial-stage biotechnology company ADC Therapeutics, the company is now exploring ZYNLONTA, in conjunction with other treatments, as a potential therapeutic option for R/R B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. In fact, the first patient in the Phase 1b LOTIS-7 trial was dosed at the end of June 2022.
Preclinical findings highlighted the potential benefits of ZYNLONTA. For example, researchers found that ZYNLONTA could improve patient outcomes through increasing treatment efficacy. They are now working to determine how ZYNLONTA, in conjunction with polatuzumab vedotin, could be beneficial for people all across the spectrum of B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas. Altogether, the LOTIS-7 study will include dose escalation and dose expansion sections to identify the ideal dose.
So what is ZYNLONTA?
ADC Therapeutics describes ZYNLONTA (loncastuximab tesirine-lpyl) as:
an antibody drug conjugate (ADC) composed of a humanized monoclonal antibody that binds to human CD19…,is internalized into the cell, [and] enzymes release the PBD-based warhead. The warhead is designed to bind irreversibly to DNA to create highly potent interstrand cross-links that block DNA strand separation, thus disrupting essential DNA metabolic processes [and] ultimately resulting in [cancer] cell death.
About Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL)
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (or non-Hodkin lymphoma) is a group of cancers which originate in lymphocytes – a type of white blood cell – within the lymphatic system. Although NHL is the most common form of lymphoma, there are several common and rare subtypes. For example, marginal zone lymphoma, DLBCL, and follicular lymphoma are all considered to exist under the NHL umbrella! Risk factors include being immunosuppressed, chemical exposure, or being older in age. Symptoms can include:
- Fever and night sweats
- Fatigue
- Swollen lymph nodes in the armpits, neck, or groin
- Unintended weight loss
- Skin itchiness
- Chest pain
- Chronic cough
- Shortness of breath and/or difficulty breathing
- Abdominal pain and swelling
