Dr Danilov on Ongoing MCL Clinical Trials

Alexey Danilov, MD, PhD, hematologist-oncologist, associate director, Toni Stephenson Lymphoma Center, professor, Division of Leukemia, Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope, discusses ongoing investigations taking place to improve the treatment of patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL).

Danilov says investigators at City of Hope are leading numerous lymphoma trials and remain active in many areas of research. He highlights some chemotherapy-free treatment approaches, particularly those pioneered by Tycel Phillips, MD. One phase 1/2 trial (NCT05861050) is investigating the combination of glofitamab-gxbm (Columvi), venetoclax (Venclexta), lenalidomide (Revlimid), and obinutuzumab (Gazyva) in patients with high-risk MCL, including those with TP53 mutations, complex karyotypes, or other high-risk features. A phase 1 trial (NCT03523975) is exploring the combination of venetoclax, lenalidomide, and rituximab as a frontline treatment for patients with standard-risk MCL, he explains. Danilov will also serve as the principal investigator of a trial investigating nemtabrutinib (ARQ-53) combined with rituximab in patients with MCL.

In addition to these trials, investigators are conducting several studies in patients with relapsed MCL, which involve CAR T-cell therapy, bispecific antibodies, and glofitimab, he continues. In the chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) field, there are also several chemotherapy-free studies underway, including frontline, time-limited therapies with different doublet combinations, according to Danilov. In the preclinical setting, investigators are exploring BTK degraders and bispecific antibodies, such as epcoritamab-bysp (Epkinly), in patients with both CLL and Richter transformation, he states.

These trials may spur significant advances in the treatment of patients with hematologic malignancies, Danilov says. He encourages patients to inquire about their eligibility for clinical trials. Second opinions are often valuable when making treatment decisions, and clinical trials may offer new therapeutic options with the potential for better outcomes, he emphasizes. By participating in these innovative studies, patients have the opportunity to access cutting-edge treatments that may significantly improve both survival and quality of life, he concludes.