Peter Borchmann, MD, professor, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany, discusses next steps with tisagenlecleucel (Kymriah) in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL).

In findings from the phase II JULIET study, the chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy tisagenlecleucel showed an objective response rate of 52% in adult patients with relapsed/refractory DLBCL. Following these encouraging results, Borchmann says that physicians would like to see tisagenlecleucel moved to earlier lines of therapy.

This is a very difficult-to-treat patient population, Borchmann says, and outcomes for second-line treatment for patients are very poor, regardless of transplant eligibility status. A randomized phase III trial has been planned to compare tisagenlecleucel to second-line standard of care. This trial will be very important, Borchmann says, because efficacy for high-dose chemotherapy and transplantation is low, and toxicities are high.

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Peter Borchmann, MD, professor, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany, discusses next steps with tisagenlecleucel (Kymriah) in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.
 

Dr. Borchmann on Next Steps With Tisagenlecleucel in DLBCL

Peter Borchmann, MD, professor, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany, discusses the updated analysis of the JULIET trial in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL).

Updated results from the phase II JULIET trial of the chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy tisagenlecleucel (Kymriah) in patients with relapsed/refractory DLBCL were presented at the 2018 European Hematology Association Congress. At a median follow-up of 14.1 months, the objective response rate was 52%, which induced a complete response (CR) rate of 40% and a partial response (PR) rate of 12%. Borchmann says that these responses are very encouraging.

Many patients who achieve a PR went on to reach a CR about 9 to 12 months later, Borchmann notes. The 12-month relapse-free survival (RFS) rate in patients with a CR was 78.5% (95% CI, 60%-89%), and the 12-month RFS rate in all responders was 65% (95% CI, 49%-78%).

Additionally, Borchmann explains that the gene signature of the CAR T cell can be followed for up to 2 years, which can help investigators determine the ongoing efficacy of the single infusion.

Peter Borchmann, MD, professor, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany, discusses the updated analysis of the JULIET trial in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL).
 

Peter Borchmann, MD

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Dr. Borchmann on Next Steps With Tisagenlecleucel in DLBCL

Dr. Borchmann Discusses the Updated Analysis of JULIET in DLBCL