Epkinly Plus Revlimid Improves Progression-Free Survival in Relapsed Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma
Key Takeaways
- EPCORE DLBCL-4 randomized transplant-ineligible and/or CAR T–ineligible R/R LBCL patients to epcoritamab-lenalidomide versus R-GemOx after ≥1 prior systemic line including anti-CD20 therapy.
- Primary endpoint was met with statistically significant, clinically meaningful PFS improvement; hazard reduction for progression or death was approximately 60% versus R-GemOx.
EPKINLY Plus REVLIMID Improves Progression-Free Survival in Relapsed Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma
Chemotherapy-Free Combination Shows Promise for Relapsed DLBCL
People with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) may soon have access to a new chemotherapy-free treatment option following positive results from the phase 3 EPCORE DLBCL-4 clinical trial. The study found that the combination of Epkinly (epcoritamab-bysp) and Revlimid (lenalidomide) significantly improved progression-free survival compared with the current standard treatment regimen of Rituxan (rituximab), Gemzar (gemcitabine) and Eloxatin (oxaliplatin), commonly referred to as R-GemOx, in adults whose lymphoma had returned or no longer responded after previous treatment.
What Is Relapsed or Refractory Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma?
Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma is the most common type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Although many patients are cured with their initial treatment, some experience a relapse, meaning the cancer returns after responding to therapy, while others develop refractory disease, meaning the lymphoma does not respond to treatment. For these patients, identifying additional effective therapies is an important priority, particularly for those who are not candidates for an autologous stem cell transplant or CAR T-cell therapy.
How the EPCORE DLBCL-4 Clinical Trial Was Designed
The international phase 3 EPCORE DLBCL-4 study enrolled adults with relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma who had received at least one previous line of systemic therapy that included an anti-CD20 antibody. Participants had either relapsed after treatment, were not candidates for stem cell transplantation, or were unable to receive CAR T-cell therapy. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either the chemotherapy-free combination of Epkinly plus Revlimid or the standard R-GemOx regimen.
Epkinly Plus Revlimid Improved Progression-Free Survival
The study met its primary endpoint, demonstrating a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in progression-free survival among patients receiving Epkinly plus Revlimid. Researchers also reported that the combination reduced the risk of disease progression or death by approximately 60% compared with the standard treatment regimen. While complete study results have not yet been released, these topline findings suggest that the combination has the potential to become an important new option for patients whose disease has returned after prior therapy.
How Epkinly and Revlimid Work Together
One of the reasons these findings are noteworthy is that the treatment does not rely on traditional chemotherapy. Instead, Epkinly is a bispecific antibody that works by bringing the body's own T cells into contact with lymphoma cells, helping the immune system recognize and destroy the cancer. Revlimid works differently by stimulating the immune system and enhancing its ability to attack cancer cells. Together, the two medicines provide an immune-based treatment approach that may offer patients another effective option while avoiding traditional chemotherapy.
What Patients Should Know About Side Effects
According to the study investigators, the safety profile of Epkinly plus Revlimid was consistent with what has previously been observed for each medication individually. However, the company has not yet released detailed information about side effects or quality-of-life outcomes. Those data are expected to be presented during a future scientific meeting alongside the complete study results.
When Could This Treatment Become Available?
Although these findings are encouraging, patients should know that Epkinly plus Revlimid has not yet been approved for this specific indication. The manufacturers announced that they plan to submit the results to regulatory authorities for review. Until then, the combination remains investigational for this treatment setting.
What These Results Mean for Patients With Relapsed DLBCL
For people living with relapsed or refractory DLBCL, these results represent an encouraging step forward. Patients whose lymphoma has returned after treatment should speak with their healthcare team about all available treatment options, including newer immune-based therapies, stem cell transplantation, CAR T-cell therapy and clinical trials. As additional data become available, Epkinly plus Revlimid may become another important treatment option for patients seeking alternatives to traditional chemotherapy.
References
- Genmab Announces Positive Phase 3 Results for Epcoritamab Plus Lenalidomide in Patients with Relapsed/Refractory Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma, Demonstrating Statistically Significant Improvement in Progression-Free Survival. Published June 29, 2026. Accessed June 30, 2026. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT06508658.
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