The European Hematology Association (EHA) held its 2021 Virtual Congress from June 9-17, 2021, though the insights will be available until mid-August 2021. During the Congress, researchers discussed new trends, research, and hematological insights. In a news release from biopharmaceutical company Celltrion Healthcare (“Celltrion”), the company shared that it presented real-world safety and efficacy data on Truxima (biosimilar rituximab, CT-P10) for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Interested in learning more? Head to the EHA webpage and search for Abstract #EP529.
Truxima
To begin, it is first important to understand exactly what Truxima is. This intravenously administered therapy has been used to treat patients in the EU with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (and its subtypes, such as DLBCL), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), microscopic polyangiitis (MPA), and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Truxima is a CD20-targeting monoclonal antibody, or a laboratory-produced protein which mimics immune response. In this case, CD20 is often expressed on the surface of B-cells. Altogether, Truxima works to cause cellular apoptosis and cytotoxicity, preventing abnormal B cell development.
The Study
Within this post-authorization safety study, researchers evaluated the impact of Truxima on 382 patients in 5 European countries. The patients, who had DLBCL, received intravenous Truxima therapy. Altogether, researchers gathered retrospective treatment data over a 30-month (2.5 years) period. Findings included:
- 67% of patients receiving Truxima saw no DLBCL progression during the 30 months.
- By the end of the observational period, there was a 74% overall survival rate, with 12% of patients experiencing a partial response and 82% achieving a complete response. Alternately, only 2% saw DLBCL progression, and only 4% had no response to treatment.
- Overall, Truxima was relatively safe and well-tolerated. However, around 351 patients did experience some adverse reaction. An estimated 109 adverse reactions out of a total of 2,504 were linked to treatment.
- In a separate study evaluating Truxima for patients with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and CLL, researchers also determined that Truxima (infusion) was relatively safe and well-tolerated. Only a small portion of patients experienced side effects such as fatigue, nausea, or vomiting. Similarly to the first study, there was a high rate of complete response (74%).
Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL)
Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is considered the most common form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL), accounting for an estimated 30-40% of diagnoses. This aggressive and high-grade cancer affects B cells, or B lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell which usually plays a role in fighting infections. Although this can affect people of any age, and can also affect any part of the body, DLBCL often occurs in the lymph nodes of those aged 60+. Additional risk factors include having a family history of DLBCL, having hepatitis C or HIV, having certain autoimmune conditions, or being immunocompromised. Symptoms include:
- Painless lymph node inflammation with rapid growth
- Unintended weight loss
- Night sweats
- Fatigue
- Appetite loss
- Fever
- Severe itching
- Coughing or breathlessness (if affecting the lungs)
- Nausea and vomiting (if affecting the abdomen)
- Abdominal pain (if affecting the abdomen)
- Diarrhea or bleeding (if affecting the abdomen)
