MRD negativity by PBMCs and ctDNA confirms deep and durable responses after epcoritamab monotherapy in R/R FL.

What was studied

This study looked at tests for leftover cancer cells in relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma. People were treated with epcoritamab, a bispecific antibody, in the EPCORE NHL-1 trial. They had 2 or more earlier lines of therapy. The team used the clonoSEQ test on blood cells and on tumour DNA in blood. They checked minimal residual disease, or MRD, at set times. They compared MRD with clinical outcomes.

What they found

Epcoritamab quickly led to MRD negativity. Most people who could be tested were MRD negative by cycle 3 day 1. MRD negativity at that point was linked to longer progression-free survival. The median was not reached. This held whatever the scan response. Some people had a PET/CT response but were still MRD positive. They did worse than responders who were MRD negative. In adjusted analyses, MRD-negative responders had significantly better progression-free survival.

What it means for patients

The authors say MRD negativity goes with fast molecular responses and longer progression-free survival. They say MRD tests add to usual response checks. They say the findings may aid future trial design or clinical practice.

Why it is not certain yet

This study compares test results with outcomes inside a trial. It shows links, not cause. Only people who could be tested for MRD were included. The abstract does not give how many people that was. The median progression-free survival was not reached.

Source

MRD negativity by PBMCs and ctDNA confirms deep and durable responses after epcoritamab monotherapy in R/R FL.

We restate facts from the source record in our own words. The original wording belongs to its publisher.