The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has made two announcements regarding lymphoma treatments this week.
Epcoritamab for treating relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma after 2 or more systemic treatments
NICE has published draft guidance recommending the use of epcoritamab as an option for treating follicular lymphoma that has relapsed or is refractory after two or more systemic (whole body) treatments. Epcoritamab can be used as a treatment for this population for a maximum of three years.
Epcoritamab is a bispecific antibody, which is a type of immunotherapy drug. Bispecific antibodies work by attaching to two targets, one on the surface of lymphoma cells and one on the surface of T cells (part of the immune system). This means that cells of the immune system come into direct contact with the lymphoma cells, and this leads to activation of the T-cells which in turn kill the lymphoma cells.
NICE has made this decision because indirect comparisons suggest that epcoritamab is likely to increase how long people have before their condition gets worse and how long people live compared with current treatment. In addition, it offers a treatment option with a simpler administration as it can be given subcutaneously (as an injection under the skin).
Acalabrutinib with bendamustine and rituximab for untreated mantle cell lymphoma
NICE has published draft guidance not recommending treatment with acalabrutinib plus bendamustine and rituximab for untreated mantle cell lymphoma in adults who are not eligible for an autologous stem cell transplant.
Acalabrutinib is a BTK inhibitor. BTK inhibitors block a protein called Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK). BTK plays a crucial role in B cell development.
NICE has made this decision because there is currently not enough evidence to determine if acalabrutinib plus bendamustine and rituximab offers value for money in this population. At this stage, this is only draft guidance and there will now be a period of consultation. Lymphoma Action will comment on this decision to ensure the patient's perspective is heard by the committee. We will provide an update once the final decision is made.
Find out more about drug development, approval and funding, or visit Lymphoma TrialsLink for the latest on clinical trials for lymphoma.