Dr. Heyman on ROR1-Targeted Approaches in Relapsed/Refractory MCL

Benjamin Heyman, MD, hematologist, University of California, San Diego, discusses agents targeting ROR1 in patients with relapsed/refractory mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). 

One ROR1-targeting drug of interest for this patient population is the antibody-drug conjugate zilovertamab vedotin (formerly cirmtuzumab or UC-961). The agent has a similar payload to brentuximab vedotin (Adcetris), but is conjugated to a ROR1 monoclonal antibody, according to Heyman.

Results from a phase 1/2 trial demonstrated that approximately 50% of patients with relapsed/refractory MCL responded to single-agent zilovertamab vedotin, and the responses proved to be durable over time, Heyman explains. The most common adverse effects experienced with the agent were neutropenia and neuropathy, which proved to be reversible once the medication was stopped, Heyman adds.

The monoclonal antibody zilovertimab has also been explored in combination with ibrutinib (Imbruvica) for those with relapsed/refractory disease, Heyman adds. Although it is still early, the regimen does appear to possess the potential to improve overall response and the durability of response, Heyman concludes.