Jorge J. Castillo, MD:In terms of how to move the field forward for Waldenström macroglobulinemia treatment, I think there are a couple of unmet needs. On one hand, we need medications or combinations that can cause and induce a rapid deep response that will be long lasting without having to take a medication indefinitely. I think that’s where we’re trying to hit the sweet spot. In addition to that efficacy, we also need to develop treatments that are probably safer that do not have the risk of neuropathy; the risk of secondary cancers, like chemotherapy does; infusional reactions; or IgM [immunoglobulin M] flares, like the monoclonal antibodies.
We are devising a study in which we are going to be combining ibrutinib and venetoclax. Venetoclax is a BCL-2 [B-cell lymphoma 2] inhibitor that has us very excited. We are running a study now that has not been completed that has shown benefit, even in patients who have been previously exposed to ibrutinib. We are inducing responses, patients are feeling better, and this study has been designed in a way where we will stop the venetoclax within 2 years of starting therapy. Can we use that as a backbone in addition to ibrutinib and use those 2 agents synergistically?
We do have evidence from our laboratory that the combination of a BTK [Bruton tyrosine kinase] inhibitor and a BCL-2 inhibitor is actually synergistic, and they kill cells in a more efficient manner. The next study will give ibrutinib at the standard dose of 420 mg by mouth once daily and venetoclax at the standard dose of 400 mg by mouth once daily. Both agents will be given concurrently for 2 years, and at that moment we will stop therapy and see if we have been able to induce the depth of the response that we wantedand hopefully the duration of response that we wanted—without causing too much long-term toxicity.
Transcript edited for clarity.
Case: A 65-Year-Old Female With Newly Diagnosed Waldenström Macroglobulinemia
September 2016
Treatment
Examining the Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Treatment Paradigm
July 15th 2022In season 3, episode 6 of Targeted Talks, Yazan Samhouri, MD, discusses the exciting new agents for the treatment of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, the clinical trials that support their use, and hopes for the future of treatment.
Listen
New APL Treatment Shows Promise: Higher Survival Rates, Less Toxicity
July 6th 2024ATO/ATRA plus idarubicin showed superior 2-year EFS (88% vs 70%) and 5-year EFS (87% vs 55%) compared to ATRA/chemotherapy. The trial indicated lower hematologic toxicity with ATO/ATRA, including reduced rates of thrombocytopenia and neutropenia.
Read More