Epcoritamab for Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores whether epcoritamab, a type of antibody, can effectively treat individuals with Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia (WM) who have previously tried other treatments. WM is a rare blood cancer that can cause symptoms like fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, and bleeding problems. The trial will test different doses of epcoritamab to identify the best one for future studies. Individuals previously treated for WM with specific therapies who still experience symptoms might be suitable candidates for this trial. As a Phase 2 trial, this research focuses on measuring the treatment's effectiveness in an initial, smaller group of participants.
Do I need to stop my current medications for the trial?
You will need to stop taking any BTK inhibitors (like ibrutinib or zanubrutinib) before starting the trial, allowing a washout period (time without taking the medication) of at least 4 half-lives. Additionally, you must stop taking rituximab at least 4 weeks before starting the trial. The protocol does not specify other medications, so please consult with the trial team for guidance on other medications you are taking.
Is there any evidence suggesting that epcoritamab is likely to be safe for humans?
Research is examining the safety of epcoritamab for treating Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia. The FDA has already approved epcoritamab for certain types of lymphoma, suggesting potential safety, but each condition differs, making ongoing studies crucial.
Earlier studies with epcoritamab showed that some patients experienced side effects, which were usually manageable. Current research monitors for any adverse reactions to ensure the treatment is well-tolerated. The aim is to determine a safe and effective dose for individuals with Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia. As this is a Phase 2 trial, some evidence of safety exists from earlier studies, but further information is needed to confirm this.12345Why do researchers think this study treatment might be promising for Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia?
Researchers are excited about Epcoritamab for Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia because it uses a novel approach. Unlike standard treatments such as chemotherapy or monoclonal antibodies like rituximab, Epcoritamab is a bispecific antibody that targets both cancer cells and T-cells, effectively bridging them to enhance the immune response against the cancer. This dual-targeting mechanism offers the promise of improved efficacy by directly engaging the patient's immune system to fight the cancer more effectively. Additionally, Epcoritamab's potential to offer targeted therapy with possibly fewer side effects makes it a promising new option for patients.
What evidence suggests that epcoritamab might be an effective treatment for Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia?
Research has shown that epcoritamab, an antibody treatment, may help treat Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia (WM), a type of blood cancer. In earlier studies, patients with similar blood cancers that returned or did not respond to other treatments responded well to epcoritamab. Many of these patients experienced a decrease in cancer cells after using the treatment. Epcoritamab targets and destroys cancerous B-cells, a type of white blood cell involved in WM. Although more research is needed specifically for WM, these early results are promising, especially for those who have tried other treatments without success. Participants in this trial will receive epcoritamab in either a safety lead-in phase or a Phase II study to further evaluate its effectiveness and safety for WM.14678
Who Is on the Research Team?
Gottfried von Keudell, MD
Principal Investigator
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for individuals with Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia (WM), a type of B-cell lymphoma, who have already undergone treatment. Specific eligibility criteria are not provided, but typically participants must meet certain health standards and may be excluded based on factors like other medical conditions or treatments that could interfere with the study.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive Epcoritamab in cycles, with varying frequency of administration over 12 cycles
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Epcoritamab
Epcoritamab is already approved in United States, European Union for the following indications:
- Relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma after two or more lines of systemic therapy
- Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma after two or more lines of systemic therapy
- Relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma after two or more lines of systemic therapy
- Relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma after two or more lines of systemic therapy
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Gottfried von Keudell, MD PhD
Lead Sponsor
Genmab
Industry Sponsor
Dr. Jan van de Winkel
Genmab
Chief Executive Officer since 2010
PhD in Immunology, University of Utrecht
Dr. Judith Klimovsky
Genmab
Chief Medical Officer since 2019
MD, University of Copenhagen