Key clinical point: The addition of venetoclax to lenalidomide plus rituximab therapy may provide an effective and safe combination for the treatment of unselected patients with untreated mantle cell lymphoma (MCL).
Major finding: All patients were escalated to the maximum tolerated dose of venetoclax (400 mg daily). The overall response and complete remission rates were 96% and 86%, respectively. After a median follow-up of 27.5 months, the median overall survival and progression-free survival were not reached. No dose-limiting toxicity event was observed.
Study details: This multicenter phase 1 study included 28 unselected adult patients with untreated MCL who received induction therapy with lenalidomide (daily on days 1-21 of each cycle), rituximab (weekly during cycle 1 until cycle 2 day 1), and venetoclax (escalated weekly up to 400 mg daily) for 6-12 cycles followed by maintenance therapy.
Disclosures: This study was funded by AbbVie and the University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center. Some authors reported ties with various organizations, including AbbVie.
Source: Phillips TJ et al. Adding venetoclax to lenalidomide and rituximab is safe and effective in patients with untreated mantle cell lymphoma. Blood Adv. 2023 (Apr 4). Doi: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2023009992