Dr. Maddocks on the Role of Tazemetostat in EZH2-Mutant Follicular Lymphoma

Kami J. Maddocks, MD, an associate professor of clinical internal medicine, Division of Hematology, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center–James, discusses the role of tazemetostat (Tazverik) in patients with EZH2-mutant follicular lymphoma.

Tazemetostat was recently approved by the FDA in June 2020 for adults with relapsed/refractory FL whose tumors are positive for an EZH2 mutation as detected by an FDA-approved test and have received at least 2 prior systemic therapies, and adults with relapsed/refractory disease who have no satisfactory alternative treatment options, says Maddocks.

The regulatory decision was based on data from 2 open-label, single-arm cohorts from the phase 1/2 E7438-G000-101 study, which showed more activity in patients with EZH2-mutated disease compared with those who had wild-type disease. However, responses were still observed in those with wild-type disease, adds Maddocks.

Tazemetostat provides patients with another oral therapy in this setting, says Maddocks. Overall, all the available therapies for patients with follicular lymphoma have toxicities, but it appears that tazemetostat may be better tolerated. As such, this is an option that could potentially be used earlier on in the treatment journey compared with other options, concludes Maddocks.