Lenalidomide in combination with R-ESHAP in patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: a phase 1b study from GELTAMO group

Tumor Biology Hides Novel Therapeutic Approaches to Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma: A Narrative Review

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a malignancy of immense biological and clinical heterogeneity. Based on the transcriptomic or genomic approach, several different classification schemes have evolved over the years to subdivide DLBCL into clinically (prognostically) relevant subsets, but each leaves unclassified samples. Herein, we outline the DLBCL tumor biology behind the actual and potential drug targets and address the challenges and drawbacks coupled with their (potential) use. Therapeutic modalities are discussed, including small-molecule inhibitors, naked antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates, chimeric antigen receptors, bispecific antibodies and T-cell engagers, and immune checkpoint inhibitors. Candidate drugs explored in ongoing clinical trials are coupled with diverse toxicity issues and refractoriness to drugs. According to the literature on DLBCL, the promise for new therapeutic targets lies in epigenetic alterations, B-cell receptor and NF-κB pathways. Herein, we present putative targets hiding in lipid pathways, ferroptosis, and the gut microbiome that could be used in addition to immuno-chemotherapy to improve the general health status of DLBCL patients, thus increasing the chance of being cured. It may be time to devote more effort to exploring DLBCL metabolism to discover novel druggable targets. We also performed a bibliometric and knowledge-map analysis of the literature on DLBCL published from 2014-2023.

Lenalidomide in combination with R-ESHAP in patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: A phase 2 study from GELTAMO

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients with relapsed or refractory (RR) disease have poor outcomes with current salvage regimens. We conducted a phase 2 trial to analyse the safety and efficacy of adding lenalidomide to R-ESHAP (LR-ESHAP) in patients with RR DLBCL. Subjects received 3 cycles of lenalidomide 10 mg/day on days 1-14 of every 21-day cycle, in combination with R-ESHAP at standard doses. Responding patients underwent autologous stem-cell transplantation (ASCT). The primary endpoint was the overall response rate (ORR) after 3 cycles. Centralized cell-of-origin (COO) classification was performed. Forty-six patients were included. The ORR after LR-ESHAP was 67% (35% of patients achieved complete remission). Patients with primary refractory disease (n = 26) had significantly worse ORR than patients with non-refractory disease (54% vs. 85%, p = 0.031). No differences in response rates according to the COO were observed. Twenty-eight patients (61%) underwent ASCT. At a median follow-up of 41 months, the estimated 3-year PFS and OS were 42% and 48%, respectively. The most common grade ≥3 adverse events were thrombocytopenia (70% of patients), neutropenia (67%) and anaemia (35%). There were no treatment-related deaths during LR-ESHAP cycles. In conclusion, LR-ESHAP is a feasible salvage regimen with promising efficacy results for patients with RR DLBCL.

Molecular classification and therapeutics in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) encompasses a wide variety of disease states that have to date been subgrouped and characterized based on immunohistochemical methods, which provide limited prognostic value to clinicians and no alteration in treatment regimen. The addition of rituximab to CHOP therapy was the last leap forward in terms of treatment, but regimens currently follow a standardized course when disease becomes refractory with no individualization based on genotype. Research groups are tentatively proposing new strategies for categorizing DLBCL based on genetic abnormalities that are frequently found together to better predict disease course following dysregulation of specific pathways and to deliver targeted treatment. Novel algorithms in combination with next-generation sequencing techniques have identified between 4 and 7 subgroups of DLBCL, depending on the research team, with potentially significant and actionable genetic alterations. Various drugs aimed at pathways including BCR signaling, NF-κB dysfunction, and epigenetic regulation have shown promise in their respective groups and may show initial utility as second or third line therapies to patients with recurrent DLBCL. Implementation of subgroups will allow collection of necessary data to determine which groups are significant, which treatments may be indicated, and will provide better insight to clinicians and patients on specific disease course.

Efficacy and safety of lenalidomide in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

As an immunomodulatory agent with antitumor activity, lenalidomide has been evaluated for its value in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). We performed a meta-analysis to gain a better understanding of the efficacy and safety of lenalidomide in DLBCL. PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase were searched up to March 2022 for potential studies. The pooled hazard ratio (HR) and relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were estimated by the fixed/random effects model. Overall, 6 randomized controlled trials including 1938 patients were included. The complete response rate (CRR) of the group containing lenalidomide was 47.7% (95%CI 28.5-67.2%), which was higher than the 37.8% (95%CI 16.7-61.5%) of the control group without lenalidomide (RR = 1.11, 95%CI 1.03-1.20, P = 0.008). The overall estimation of survival showed a benefit for progression-free survival (PFS) (HR = 0.77, 95%CI 0.66-0.90, P = 0.001) but not overall survival (OS) or event-free survival (EFS). The lenalidomide group had a significant incidence of grade ≥ 3 hematological adverse events (AEs) involving neutropenia (RR = 1.56, 95%CI 1.15-2.11, P = 0.004) and febrile neutropenia (RR = 1.81, 95%CI 1.31-2.49, P < 0.001), with the incidence of neutropenia (48.3%, 95%CI 37.5-59.1%) being highest. In conclusion, addition of lenalidomide results in a higher CRR and better PFS but a higher incidence of grade ≥ 3 hematological AEs involving neutropenia and febrile neutropenia.

Phase 1/dose expansion trial of brentuximab vedotin and lenalidomide in relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

New therapies are needed for patients with relapsed/refractory (rel/ref) diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) who do not benefit from or are ineligible for stem cell transplant and chimeric antigen receptor therapy. The CD30-targeted, antibody-drug conjugate brentuximab vedotin (BV) and the immunomodulator lenalidomide (Len) have demonstrated promising activity as single agents in this population. We report the results of a phase 1/dose expansion trial evaluating the combination of BV/Len in rel/ref DLBCL. Thirty-seven patients received BV every 21 days, with Len administered continuously for a maximum of 16 cycles. The maximum tolerated dose of the combination was 1.2 mg/kg BV with 20 mg/d Len. BV/Len was well tolerated with a toxicity profile consistent with their use as single agents. Most patients required granulocyte colony-stimulating factor support because of neutropenia. The overall response rate was 57% (95% CI, 39.6-72.5), complete response rate, 35% (95% CI, 20.7-52.6); median duration of response, 13.1 months; median progression-free survival, 10.2 months (95% CI, 5.5-13.7); and median overall survival, 14.3 months (95% CI, 10.2-35.6). Response rates were highest in patients with CD30+ DLBCL (73%), but they did not differ according to cell of origin (P = .96). NK cell expansion and phenotypic changes in CD8+ T-cell subsets in nonresponders were identified by mass cytometry. BV/Len represents a potential treatment option for patients with rel/ref DLBCL. This combination is being further explored in a phase 3 study (registered on https://clinicaltrials.org as NCT04404283). This trial was registered on https://clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02086604.

Circulating myeloid-derived suppressor cells and regulatory T cells as immunological biomarkers in refractory/relapsed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: translational results from the R2-GDP-GOTEL trial

Background

The search for immunological markers with ability of predicting clinical outcome is a priority in lymphomas, and in cancer in general. It is well known that some immunomodulatory cells, such as myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) or regulatory T cells (Tregs), are recruited by tumors, jeopardizing antitumor immunosurveillance. In this work, we have studied blood levels of these immunosuppressive cells in patients with relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (R/R DLBCL), prior to and along the course of the experimental rituximab, gemcitabine, dexamethasone, and cisplatin (R2-GDP) schedule, as a translational substudy of the R2-GDP-GOTEL trial (EudraCT Number: 2014-001620-29), which included lenalidomide as an immunomodulator.

Methods

Blood samples were taken before treatment, at cycle 3 and end of induction. Samples were analyzed by flow cytometry. Non-parametric tests were used. Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare basal cells distributions, and Wilcoxon test was considered to compare cells distribution at different times. Spearman test was performed to measure the degree of association between cell populations.

Results

In this study, MDSC and Treg circulating concentration was found increased in all patients compared with a healthy control group and decreased after treatment only in patients with longest overall survival (>24 months), reaching the levels of the healthy group. Likewise, the number of inhibited T lymphocytes expressing Programmed Death-1 (PD-1) were increased in peripheral blood from patients and decreased on the treatment, whereas activated T lymphocytes increased after therapy in those with better overall survival.

Conclusions

In conclusion, blood concentration of MDSCs and Treg cells may be good prognostic markers for overall survival after 2 years in R/R DLBCL. These results point to a possible role of these elements in the immunosuppression of these patients, as assessed by the circulating activated and inhibited T lymphocytes, and therefore, they may be considered as therapeutic targets in DLBCL.

New agents and regimens for diffuse large B cell lymphoma

As a widely recognized standard regimen, R-CHOP (rituximab plus cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone) is able to cure two-thirds patients with diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL), and the remaining patients suffer from refractory or relapsed disease due to resistance to R-CHOP and fare poorly. Unsatisfied outcomes for those relapsed/refractory patients prompted efforts to discover new treatment approaches for DLBCL, including chimeric antigen receptor T cells, bispecific T cell engagers, immunomodulatory drugs, immune checkpoint inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates, molecular pathway inhibitors, and epigenetic-modifying drugs. Herein, up-to-date data about the most promising treatment approaches for DLBCL are recapitulated, and novel genetic classification systems are introduced to guide individualized treatment for DLBCL.

IMiDs New and Old

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

IMiDs are a class of biologic agents with immunomodulatory, anti-angiogenic, and direct anti-cancer activities. This review summarizes current data on clinical development and application of IMiDs in non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) subtypes, focusing primarily on lenalidomide, with additional discussion on managing common side effects.

RECENT FINDINGS

Improved upon the prototype thalidomide, the second-generation compound lenalidomide has enhanced immunological and anti-cancer properties with fewer side effects, while next-generation small molecule cereblon/E3 ubiquitin ligase modulator CC-122 is in early clinical studies. Lenalidomide is FDA-approved for treatment of relapsed/refractory mantle cell lymphoma as a single agent, as well as in combination with rituximab for R/R follicular lymphoma and marginal zone lymphoma. In addition, numerous clinical trials of lenalidomide, as single agent, in combination with anti-CD20 antibodies, or in combination with chemoimmunotherapy regimens, have shown promise in aggressive and indolent NHL in both the upfront and relapsed/refractory setting. As clinical trials with lenalidomide continue to find success in both indolent and aggressive lymphomas, IMiDs are poised to be important building blocks for combinatorial strategies with antibodies, chemotherapy, novel target agents, and emerging immunotherapy involving immune checkpoint inhibitors and chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T) therapy. Delineation of treatment-specific and disease-specific biomarkers is an important research objective to gain insight into potential mechanisms of action, and to guide future clinical development.

An evaluation of polatuzumab vedotin for the treatment of patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

INTRODUCTION

Diffuse Large B-Cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most commonly diagnosed form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) in adults. Most patients receive an initial treatment with chemo-immunotherapy, which includes rituximab, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin and prednisone (R-CHOP). Cure rates are high but those who relapse, or do not respond to initial therapy, have a poor prognosis. Polatuzumab vedotin, an anti-CD79b monoclonal antibody conjugated to the cytotoxic payload monomethyl aurostatin-E (MMAE), in combination with bendamustine and rituximab (polatuzumab-BR) is a new, effective therapeutic option to add to the treatment of relapsed/refractory (R/R) DLBCL.

AREAS COVERED

This review covers the clinical development of polatuzumab for the treatment of lymphoma, its current and future use in patients with DLBCL and identifies its place in the treatment of R/R DLBCL. A search of PubMed and oncology/hematology congresses using 'polatuzumab' as the search term was undertaken to identify the most pertinent clinical reports.

EXPERT OPINION

Polatuzumab-BR is an effective and safe option for transplant-ineligible patients with R/R DLBCL either before or after CAR-T (chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy). Ongoing combination trials with polatuzumab will expand its applications in the treatment of this disease.

B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma: importance of angiogenesis and antiangiogenic therapy

Angiogenesis is critical for the initiation and progression of solid tumors, as well as hematological malignancies. While angiogenesis in solid tumors has been well characterized, a large body of investigation is devoted to clarify the impact of angiogenesis on lymphoma development. B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL) is the most common lymphoid malignancy with a highly heterogeneity. The malignancy remains incurable despite that the addition of rituximab to conventional chemotherapies provides substantial improvements. Several angiogenesis-related parameters, such as proangiogenic factors, circulating endothelial cells, microvessel density, and tumor microenvironment, have been identified as prognostic indicators in different types of B-NHL. A better understanding of how these factors work together to facilitate lymphoma-specific angiogenesis will help to design better antiangiogenic strategies. So far, VEGF-A monoclonal antibodies, receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors targeting VEGF receptors, and immunomodulatory drugs with antiangiogenic activities are being tested in preclinical and clinical studies. This review summarizes recent advances in the understanding of the role of angiogenesis in B-NHL, and discusses the applications of antiangiogenic therapies.

R-GEM-Lenalidomide versus R-GEM-P as second-line treatment of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: results of the UK NRCI phase II randomised LEGEND trial

Outcome of patients with relapsed/refractory (r/r) diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) remains poor, highlighting the need for novel treatment approaches. The multicentre randomised phase II LEGEND trial evaluated lenalidomide in combination with rituximab, methylprednisolone and gemcitabine (R-GEM-L) vs. standard R-GEM-P as second-line treatment of DLBCL. The study closed early to recruitment after the planned interim analysis failed to demonstrate a complete response (CR) rate of ≥ 40% in either arm. Among 34 evaluable patients, 7/18 (38.9%) achieved CR with R-GEM-L and 3/16 (18.8%) with R-GEM-P. Median event-free and overall survival was 3.5/3.8 months and 10.8/8.3 months for R-GEM-L and R-GEM-P, respectively. The incidence of grade ≥ 3 toxicities was 52% in R-GEM-L and 83% in R-GEM-P. Efficacy and tolerability of R-GEM-L seem comparable with R-GEM-P and other standard salvage therapies, but a stringent design led to early trial closure. Combination of lenalidomide with gemcitabine-based regimens should be further evaluated in r/r DLBCL.

Genetic alterations and their clinical implications in DLBCL

Diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a highly heterogeneous lymphoid neoplasm with variations in gene expression profiles and genetic alterations, which lead to substantial variations in clinical course and response to therapy. The advent of high-throughput genome sequencing platforms, and especially whole-exome sequencing, has helped to define the genetic landscape of DLBCL. In the past 10 years, these studies have identified many genetic alterations in DLBCL, some of which are specific to B cell lymphomas, whereas others can also be observed in other types of cancer. These aberrations result in altered activation of a wide range of signalling pathways and other cellular processes, including those involved in B cell differentiation, B cell receptor signalling, activation of the NF-κB pathway, apoptosis and epigenetic regulation. Further elaboration of the genetics of DLBCL will not only improve our understanding of disease pathogenesis but also provide further insight into disease classification, prognostication and therapeutic targets. In this Review, we describe the current understanding of the prevalence and causes of specific genetic alterations in DLBCL and their role in disease development and progression. We also summarize the available clinical data on therapies designed to target the aberrant pathways driven by these alterations.

Venous thromboembolism in patients with B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma treated with lenalidomide: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Lenalidomide is associated with increased risk of thromboembolism (VTE) in patients with multiple myeloma. This risk has not previously been defined in B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), for which lenalidomide is also an active agent. We conducted a systematic literature search in Ovid MEDLINE (1946 to February 2017), Ovid EMBASE (1974 to February 2017), The Cochrane Library (Wiley), and Web of Science Core Collection for prospective studies evaluating lenalidomide-containing regimens in B-cell NHL with adequate reporting of patient characteristics, total cycles received, and safety data including VTE rates. The primary outcome was VTE events per 100 patient-cycles by meta-analysis using random-effects models. Our literature search identified 1719 citations; 28 articles were included. For all patients with B-cell NHL receiving lenalidomide, the rate of VTE per 100 patient-cycles was 0.77 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.48-1.12; I², 67%). The rate for single-agent lenalidomide was 1.09 events per 100 patient-cycles (95% CI, 0.49-1.94; I², 76%), the rate for lenalidomide plus biologics was 0.49 (95% CI, 0.17-0.97; I², 59%), and the rate for lenalidomide plus chemotherapy was 0.89 (95% CI, 0.39-1.60; I², 57%). Rate of VTE events in B-cell NHL patients treated with lenalidomide in clinical trials is similar to the rate in multiple myeloma. The VTE rate appears to be lowest for lenalidomide combined with a biologic compared with single-agent lenalidomide or its combination with chemotherapy. This protocol was registered at www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/ as #CRD42017056042.

Refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma after first-line immuno-CT: Treatment options and outcomes

In the rituximab era, one-third of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma patients experience relapse/refractory disease after first-line anthracycline-based immunochemotherapy. Optimal management remains an unmet medical need. The aim of this study was to report the outcomes of a cohort of refractory patients according to their patterns of refractoriness and the type of salvage option. We performed a retrospective analysis, which included 104 diffuse large B-cell lymphoma patients treated at Lyon Sud University Hospital (2002-2017) who presented with refractory disease. Refractoriness was defined as progressive/stable disease during first-line treatment (primary refractory, N = 47), a partial response after the end of first-line treatment that required subsequent treatment (residual disease, N = 19), or relapse within 1 year of diagnosis after an initial complete response (CR) (early relapse, N = 38). The 2-year overall survival (OS) rates for primary refractory, early relapse, and residual disease patients were 27%, 25%, and 52%, respectively, while the event-free survival rates for those groups were 13%, 13%, and 42%, respectively. In a univariate analysis, lactate dehydrogenase level, Ann Arbor stage, poor performance status, high age-adjusted International Prognostic Index score, and age > 65 years were associated with shorter OS. The use of rituximab and platinum-based chemo during the first salvage treatment was associated with prolonged OS. In a multivariate analysis, age (HR:2.06) and rituximab use (HR:0.54) were associated with OS. Among patients <65 years who achieved a CR, autologous stem-cell transplant was associated with higher 2-year OS (90% vs 74%, P = 0.10). Patients who were treated with a targeted therapy in the context of a clinical trial after second-line treatment had a higher 2-year OS (34% vs 19%, P = 0.06). In conclusion, patients with primary refractory disease or early relapse have very poor outcomes but may benefit from rituximab retreatment during the first salvage treatment.

Venous thromboembolism in patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma or chronic lymphocytic leukemia treated with lenalidomide: a systematic review

Lenalidomide has been associated with an increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in multiple myeloma. It is unclear whether patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) are also at such risk. We conducted a systematic review of the incidence of VTE in prospective trials of lenalidomide-treated patients with NHL or CLL. Sixty-eight unique reports were assessed for inclusion. For grade ≥3 VTE, 98 events were reported in 3043 patients (60 studies) (crude incidence: 3.22% [95% confidence interval: 2.6-3.9%]). For any grade VTE, 97 events were reported in 2244 patients (46 studies) (crude incidence: 4.32% [3.5-5.2%]). Subgroup analysis showed no difference based on histological subtype or use of prophylaxis. The study is at risk of bias, largely due to insufficient data from the individual studies. Within the limitations of this systematic review, we found a low risk of VTE in patients with NHL treated with lenalidomide.

Lenalidomide and Temozolomide Combination in a Very Elderly Patient with CNS Relapse of Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma

Central nervous system (CNS) relapse is an infrequent but severe complication for DLBCL patients, associated with poor prognosis. Intravenous prophylaxis with high-dose methotrexate has shown promising results but is rarely feasible in elderly and/or nephropathic patients. A 83 years old woman with CNS relapse occurred 6 months after chemoimmunotherapy. The patient was defined ineligible for radiotherapy (RT) and started oral Temozolomide 250mg daily for 5 consecutive days without any improvement after 1st cycle. We administered lenalidomide 25mg daily for 21 days every 28 days together with temozolomide 250mg daily for 5 days every 28 days. The patient experienced a rapid improvement of general and cognitive conditions; Gadolinium-enhanced brain MRI showed a wide reduction of neoplastic tissue. The patients maintained good clinical conditions with mild treatment toxicity until the end of the 6th cycle, when brain MRI showed disease progression and the patient died 1 month later. We suggest lenalidomide could be a feasible option for CNS relapse in elderly DLBCL patients and it could be associated in future studies with other cytotoxic agents such as temozolomide.

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: R-CHOP failure-what to do?

Although rituximab plus cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (R-CHOP) is the standard treatment for patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), ∼30% to 50% of patients are not cured by this treatment, depending on disease stage or prognostic index. Among patients for whom R-CHOP therapy fails, 20% suffer from primary refractory disease (progress during or right after treatment) whereas 30% relapse after achieving complete remission (CR). Currently, there is no good definition enabling us to identify these 2 groups upon diagnosis. Most of the refractory patients exhibit double-hit lymphoma (MYC-BCL2 rearrangement) or double-protein-expression lymphoma (MYC-BCL2 hyperexpression) which have a more aggressive clinical picture. New strategies are currently being explored to obtain better CR rates and fewer relapses. Although young relapsing patients are treated with high-dose therapy followed by autologous transplant, there is an unmet need for better salvage regimens in this setting. To prevent relapse, maintenance therapy with immunomodulatory agents such as lenalidomide is currently undergoing investigation. New drugs will most likely be introduced over the next few years and will probably be different for relapsing and refractory patients.

A phase 1/2 trial of lenalidomide and dexamethasone in adult patients with refractory/relapsed acute lymphoblastic leukemia

OBJECTIVES

Adult patients with refractory/relapsed ALL have poor survival outcomes with current chemotherapies. We aimed to determine safety and efficacy of lenalidomide, an oral immunomodulator, in these patients.

METHODS

This phase 1/2 trial (EUDRACT # 2009-009372-13) included 10 patients who received 28-day cycles of oral lenalidomide 25 mg/day, days 1 through 21, in combination with oral dexamethasone 40 mg/day on days 1, 8, 15, 22. Primary endpoints were tolerance and the overall response rate (ORR). Secondary endpoints included overall survival (OS) and quality of life.

RESULTS

The most common grade 3 or 4 adverse events were myelosuppression. The ORR among the participants who could be evaluated was 28.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0-62.2%). The median OS was 92 days (range, 43-133 days). All patients have died because of progressive disease. Quality of life remains stable during treatment cycles.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

The safety of combination therapy consisting of lenalidomide plus dexamethasone is consistent with ambulatory administration. Efficacy should be reevaluated in a larger series including patients less intensively previously treated.