The ASH annual meeting brings together clinicians and researchers from all over the world to learn about and discuss the latest advances in hematology. A large part of the conference focuses on blood cancers, including follicular lymphoma (FL). ASH presentations on FL showcased exciting progress spanning many areas including basic science, translational research and clinical trials.
We highlight three linked key themes from the latest ASH annual meeting, that took place in December 2024 in San Diego, USA; Immunotherapies, other effective lymphoma treatments and how FL develops and transforms.
Watch FLF’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr Mitchell Smith, share his highlights and read the full detailed publication by clicking below.
Immunotherapy, especially using T-cells, is changing lymphoma treatment. In some countries, treatments like CAR T-cell therapy and bispecific antibodies are approved for patients whose lymphoma has returned after multiple treatments. Recent data shows promising long-term results, with around half of patients remaining in remission after four years with CAR T-cell therapy.
New research is exploring better versions of CAR T-cells, including ways to reduce side effects and improve effectiveness. Some key findings include:
• The drug tazemetostat can make CAR T-cells more effective.
• CAR T-cells targeting both the lymphoma cells and the tumor microenvironment could improve treatment.
• A unique cell type in lymphoma that resists current therapies could be targeted to prevent future relapses.
New bispecific antibodies with different targets and structures are also being studied. Some trials are looking at how they could be used in combination with other treatments, or even as first-line therapy, potentially leading to chemo-free options. However, more research and clinical trials are needed to determine the best approach.
While immunotherapy is exciting, other treatments are also progressing. For example, lenalidomide combined with anti-CD20 antibodies is effective, and a new drug, golcodamide, shows promise in lymphoma treatment. Oral BTK inhibitors like zanubrutinib have been approved for relapsed lymphoma and show potential when combined with anti-CD20 antibodies. Another approach involves drugs that degrade BTK, potentially being even more effective.
A drug called loncatuximab tesirene, which delivers chemotherapy directly to lymphoma cells, is already approved for aggressive lymphoma and shows promise for indolent lymphoma. A clinical trial is underway to test it as a first-line treatment.
Advances in technology are helping us to better understand the underlying biology of FL and how it turns into aggressive lymphoma. More detailed genetic and molecular studies are giving insights into how FL develops and how it might be treated. Key learnings include:
• FL cells are influenced by their environment, and understanding this better could lead to better treatment strategies.
• Studies are identifying different genetic subgroups within FL, which may help predict how the disease behaves and guide more personalized treatments.
• Research is uncovering cells that may cause relapses and transformation to more aggressive forms, which could lead to targeted therapies to prevent this.
Overall, advances in molecular biology and genetic research offer hope for more tailored treatments and earlier intervention in FL, improving patient outcomes in the future.
There was a wealth of exciting advances briefly summarised here, ranging from developing new therapeutic strategies, improving the currently available options, as well as gaining a deeper insight to FL biology. We are greatly encouraged that the field is progressing at pace, moving to a reality where clinicians can more confidently choose the best treatment options for each individual patient.
To gain a deeper understanding of these treatments and to hear from experts and those who have experienced immunotherapies first-hand, watch our Webinar on Cutting-Edge Treatments for FL: What’s New and What’s Next .
Acknowledgements: Thank you to our Scientific Advisor, Prof. Jessica Okosun and to Dr. Emil Kumar and Dr. Carina Edmondson for their ASH 2024 insights.
