Efficacy

Tazverik (Tazemetostat) Efficacy in Treating Lymphoma

Tazverik (tazemetostat) is an oral, selective inhibitor of the EZH2 enzyme, which has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of certain types of lymphoma. Specifically, it is indicated for adult patients with relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma (FL) whose tumors are positive for an EZH2 mutation as detected by an FDA-approved test and who have received at least two prior systemic therapies. The efficacy of Tazverik in this setting was evaluated in a multicenter, single-arm clinical trial, where the overall response rate (ORR) served as the primary endpoint. Patients treated with Tazverik demonstrated a meaningful ORR, indicating a proportion of patients achieving partial or complete response to the therapy.

For individuals with follicular lymphoma who do not have an EZH2 mutation, Tazverik is also approved for those who have exhausted other treatment options. In this broader patient population, the efficacy was supported by the ORR and duration of response (DOR) observed in the clinical trial. The results showed that Tazverik can still provide clinical benefit, albeit the response rates and DOR may vary compared to those with the EZH2 mutation.

Xalkori (Crizotinib) Efficacy in Treating Lymphoma

Xalkori (crizotinib) is primarily known as a treatment for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with ALK or ROS1 gene alterations. However, its efficacy in lymphoma, particularly anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) that is ALK-positive, has been a subject of clinical interest. While Xalkori is not FDA-approved specifically for lymphoma, some studies have shown that crizotinib, due to its ALK inhibition activity, can have therapeutic effects in ALK-positive ALCL, a rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The evidence for its use in lymphoma comes from smaller studies and case reports, which suggest that crizotinib can induce responses in patients with relapsed or refractory ALK-positive ALCL.

It is important to note that the use of Xalkori in lymphoma would be considered off-label, and more substantial clinical trials would be required to fully establish its efficacy and safety for this indication. As such, the information regarding its use in lymphoma is not as robust as it is for the approved indications related to NSCLC. Healthcare providers may consider the potential benefits and risks when contemplating the off-label use of Xalkori for ALK-positive lymphoma patients.