Efficacy

Monjuvi (tafasitamab-cxix) for Lymphoma

Monjuvi (tafasitamab-cxix) is a CD19-directed cytolytic antibody indicated for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). This is a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and Monjuvi is used in combination with lenalidomide for patients who are not eligible for autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT). The efficacy of Monjuvi was evaluated in a multicenter, single-arm trial known as L-MIND. In this study, patients treated with the combination of tafasitamab and lenalidomide showed a meaningful improvement in overall response rate (ORR), with a considerable proportion of patients achieving a complete response (CR).

The duration of response (DOR) for patients who achieved an ORR was also notable, with some patients maintaining the response for a prolonged period. The safety and efficacy of Monjuvi have not been established for the treatment of patients with earlier lines of therapy, and its use is specifically tailored for those with limited treatment options due to the relapsed or refractory nature of their DLBCL.

Rylaze (asparaginase erwinia chrysanthemi (recombinant)-rywn) for Lymphoma

Rylaze, known generically as asparaginase erwinia chrysanthemi (recombinant)-rywn, is an asparagine-specific enzyme approved as a component of a multi-agent chemotherapeutic regimen for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and lymphoblastic lymphoma (LBL) in adult and pediatric patients who have developed hypersensitivity to E. coli-derived asparaginase. Although Rylaze is primarily used in the treatment of ALL and LBL, its efficacy in other forms of lymphoma has not been established. The drug works by depleting the levels of asparagine, an amino acid that is essential for the growth of leukemia and lymphoma cells, thus inhibiting their ability to proliferate.

The approval of Rylaze was based on clinical trial data that demonstrated its ability to maintain nadir serum asparaginase activity levels above the threshold believed necessary for efficacy in ALL and LBL. In a clinical setting, Rylaze has been shown to provide a viable alternative for patients who are unable to continue treatment with E. coli-derived asparaginase due to allergic reactions. While Rylaze's role in the broader context of lymphoma treatment beyond ALL and LBL is not defined, its current use is an important component in the therapeutic regimens for these specific lymphoma subtypes.