Review on
Epcoritamab: A New FDA-Approved Medicine for Adult Patients with Refractory or
Relapsed Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma
Ansari Owais Ahmad*, Pradeep Kumar Mohanty, Pradeep Kumar Yadav
SOP, LNCT University, J.K. Town, Kolar Road, Bhopal, Madhya
Pradesh 462042.
*Correspondence: owais9235@gmail.com; Tel.: (8624817498)
INTRODUCTION
An
illness known as cancer develops when some body cells proliferate out of
control and infect other parts of the body. With billions of cells making up
the human body, cancer may begin practically anywhere. Human cells normally divide
and develop to create new cells as the body requires them. New cells replace
old ones when they die as a result of aging or injury. Sometimes this carefully
regulated system breaks down, allowing damaged or abnormal cells to multiply
and spread when they shouldn't. These cells have the ability to create masses
of tissue called tumors. [1]
Cellular
DNA alterations, or mutations, are the root cause of cancer. The DNA of a cell
is arranged into several unique genes, each of which contains a set of instructions
governing the development and division of the cell as well as the functions it
should do. [2]
Depending
on what kind of cancer it is, there are several treatment options. Treatment
options for cancer include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation treatment,
immunotherapy, targeted therapy, bone marrow or stem cell transplantation, and
hormone therapy. [3]
Diffuse large B-cell
lymphoma (DLBCL):
Diffuse
large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a malignancy that affects B cells, which are
lymphocytes that are involved in antibody production. Mutations in B cells
result in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. The most prevalent non-Hodgkin
lymphoma globally is diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL), accounting for
30–40% of cases across various geographical locations. About 60–70% of patients
with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma survive for five years. The course of
treatment for B cell lymphomas is contingent upon the molecular subtype,
illness kind (aggressive or indolent), and staging. [4][5]
The
FDA has authorized Epkinly (epcoritamab-bysp) injection for the management of
adult patients with high-grade B cell lymphoma following two or more lines of
systemic therapy, as well as patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
(DLBCL) that has relapsed or is refractory, unless otherwise noted. This
includes DLBCL resulting from indolent lymphoma.
Epcoritamab:
A
monoclonal antibody anticancer drug called epcoritamab is used to treat diffuse
large B-cell lymphoma. Epcoritamab-bysp received accelerated approval from the
Food and Drug Administration on May 19, 2023, for the treatment of diffuse
large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) that has relapsed or is refractory, including
DLBCL resulting from indolent lymphoma and high-grade B-cell lymphoma following
two or more lines of systemic therapy.
In
148 patients with relapsed or refractory B-cell lymphoma following two or more
lines of systemic treatment, including at least one anti-CD20 monoclonal
antibody-containing therapy, epcoritamab was assessed in the EPCORE NHL-1
(NCT03625037) study. [6]
The
overall response rate (ORR), which stood at 61%, was the effectiveness outcome
measure. 38% of those patients were able to respond completely.
EPCORE
NHL-1 (NCT03625037) was an open-label, multi-cohort, multicenter, single-arm
experiment that assessed epcoritamab-bysp, a bispecific CD20-directed CD3
T-cell engager, in patients with recurrent or refractory B-cell lymphoma. The
efficacy population comprised 148 patients with high-grade B-cell lymphoma following
two or more lines of systemic therapy, including at least one anti-CD20
monoclonal antibody-containing therapy, and relapsed or refractory DLBCL, not
otherwise specified, including DLBCL resulting from indolent lymphoma.
Epcoritamab
is a bispecific IgG1 antibody that binds to CD20 on B-cells and CD3 on T-cells
at the same time. Because it can bind to both CD20 and CD3, epcoritamab
facilitates T-cell activation and expansion, which in turn triggers
T-cell-mediated destruction of CD20+ malignant B cells. An aggressive form of
cancer called diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is often treated with many
rounds of rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and
prednisone. Patients with recurrent or refractory DLBCL have dismal prognosis,
despite the fact that this regimen is successful in up to 60% of patients. With
few discontinuations, controllable side effects, sustained complete responses,
and high response rates are all associated with Epcoritamab usage in this
patient category.
Adults
with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, particularly those
resulting from indolent lymphoma, and high-grade B-cell lymphoma following two
or more lines of systemic therapy, should be treated with epcoritamab. Cytokine
release syndrome, weariness, musculoskeletal discomfort, injection site
responses, pyrexia, stomach pain, nausea, and diarrhea are among the most
frequent side events.
Epcoritamab-bysp
is administered subcutaneously (into the skin) by a physician or nurse in a
hospital or other medical setting. The injection is commonly made into the
lower abdomen or thigh. It is often administered on days 1, 8, 15, and 22
during cycles 1-3, on days 1 and 15 during cycles 4–9, and on day 1 every month
after that. [7]
Clinical Pharmacology: [8]
[9]
Mechanism of action:
A
bispecific IgG1 antibody that has been humanized, epcoritamab binds to CD20 on
B-cells and CD3 on T-cells. Epcoritamab can identify and bind two distinct
targets, the CD3 receptor expressed on the surface of T-cells and CD20 expressed
on the surface of lymphoma cells and healthy B-lineage cells, in contrast to
other monoclonal antibodies that target a single receptor on the surface of
lymphocytes. Epcoritamab stimulates the production of proinflammatory cytokines
and selective T-cell-mediated cytotoxic activity, which leads to the lysis of
CD20+ malignant B-cells. This is achieved by targeting both receptors.
Pharmacodynamics
Epcoritamab
usage may result in decreased B-cell circulating numbers. Circulating B-cells
fell to undetectable levels and remained diminished for the duration of therapy
when individuals with detectable B-cell levels received the prescribed amount
of epcoritamab following the first complete dose of 48 mg. At dosages
equivalent to or more than 0.04 mg, epcoritamab may also temporarily increase
circulating cytokines such as TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-2. Cytokine
levels rose 24 hours after the first dosage of epcoritamab on cycle 1 day 1 and
peaked after the first 48 mg dose on cycle 1 day 15. On cycle 1 day 22,
cytokine levels stabilized prior to the administration of the subsequent 48 mg
full dosage.
Epcoritamab
usage has been linked to immunological effector cell-associated neurotoxicity
syndrome, which can be lethal as well as cytokine release syndrome. Moreover,
infections, cytopenias, and embryo-fetal damage might result from it.
Pharmacokinetics
Unless otherwise noted, pharmacokinetic (PK)
parameters are given as geometric mean (CV%) and were assessed at the
authorized recommended dose of 48 mg. AUC (area under the concentration-time
curve) for epcoritamab-bysp rose across the whole dose range of 1.5 to 60 mg,
or 0.03125 to 1.25 times the suggested recommended dosage, more than
proportionately. The maximal
concentration of epcoritamab-bysp (11.1 mcg/mL [41.5%]) is reached following
the Q2W regimen's first dose, or the 11th dose of 48 mg during Cycle 4's first
dosage.
Absorption
After
the first complete dosage and the completion of the weekly dosing regimen (end
of Cycle 3) treatment doses, the median (range) Tmax of epcoritamab-bysp was 4
(0.3 to 7) days and 2.3 (0.3 to 3.2) days, respectively.
Distribution
25.6
L (82%), is the apparent total volume of distribution.
Metabolism
Catabolic processes are anticipated to metabolize epcoritamab-bysp into tiny
peptides.
Elimination
At
the conclusion of Cycle 3, the half-life of the whole dosage of epcoritamab-bysp
(48 mg) was about 22 days (58%) and the apparent total clearance was
approximately 0.53 L/day (40%).
Specific Populations
Age
(20 to 89 years), sex, race (White or Asian), and mild to severe renal
impairment (calculated using the Cockcroft-Gault method, with a creatinine
clearance [CLcr] of 30 to less than 90 mL/min), and mild hepatic impairment
(total bilirubin ≤ ULN and AST > ULN, or total bilirubin 1 to 1.5 times ULN
and any AST) did not show any clinically significant differences in the PK of
epcoritamab-bysp after bodyweight adjustments were taken into consideration. We
do not know how the PK of epcoritamab bysp is affected by severe renal
impairment (CLcr 15 to < 30 mL/min), end-stage renal disease (CLcr < 15
mL/min), or moderate to severe hepatic impairment (total bilirubin > 1.5
times ULN and any AST).
Body Weight
When
compared to patients with a body weight (BW) of 65 to less than 85 kg, patients
who received the indicated dosage of EPKINLY had a Cycle 1 median average
concentration that was 13% lower in the higher BW group (85 to 144 kg) and 37%
higher in the lower BW group (39 to 65 kg).
Preclinical studies: [10]
[11]
Methods:
To
assess the effect on T cells and target cells, pre-treatment with SOC
components (LEN, CPA, DOX, VINC, or PRD) was given to healthy donor T cells
(effector cells) and/or B-NHL tumor cell lines expressing CD20. The same SOC
was incubated with pre-treated T and B-NHL cells in the presence of
epcoritamab. Flow cytometry was used to measure the related T-cell activation
and T-cell mediated cytotoxicity. In order to evaluate potential antagonistic
effects, bendamustine or GEMOX was administered together with epcoritamab
during the T-cell activation and cytotoxicity experiment.
Results
Epcoritamab
demonstrated strong and specific T-cell-mediated cytotoxic activity against
malignant B cells that were CD20-positive (CD20+) in preclinical trials.
Differentiating epcoritamab from traditional CD20 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs)
that cause T-cell cytotoxicity through Fc-mediated effector functions, the
formation of the epcoritamab/CD20/CD3 trimer results in the activation and
expansion of T cells as well as T-cell-mediated killing of CD20+ malignant B
cells. Epcoritamab had notably greater efficacy at lower doses in vitro when
compared to three other CD3xCD20 bsAb analog constructions; effective
concentrations at half maximum cytotoxic activity against B-cell lymphoma cell
lines and endogenous B cells varied from 0•2 to 3•5 pM. This resulted in the
notable observation that epcoritamab maintained its anti-tumor action in vivo
when an analog of rituximab was present. An in vivo investigation in cynomolgus
monkeys supports the subcutaneous (SC) administration of epcoritamab by showing
a comparable degree of sustained B-cell depletion with SC and intravenous (IV)
treatment. Crucially, SC administration also produced cytokine levels that
peaked later and at a lower level, indicating that using the SC route of
delivery may lessen the chance of developing severe CRS. Both newly diagnosed
patients and malignant B cells extracted from B-NHL patients who had previously
received CD20 antibody treatment showed cytotoxic activity in response to
epcoritamab.
Overall,
these results prompted the start of a phase 1/2 dose-escalation and expansion
trial of SC epcoritamab in patients with R/R B-NHL, which is now a
first-in-human (FIH) study (NCT03625037). We provide results from the phase 1
dose-escalation portion of this ongoing investigation, where the main goals
were to ascertain the phase 2 dosage recommendation (RP2D) and the maximum
tolerated dose (MTD).
Phase 1 and 2 Trial:
Study Design and Patients:
Phase
I/II, single-arm, multicenter, open-label, dose-escalation/expansion trial
(EPCORE NHL-1; GCT3013-01; ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03625037) for
patients with refractory, progressing, or relapsed mature B-cell lymphoma.
Patients
met the eligibility requirements if they had a documented CD201 mature B-cell
neoplasm (diffuse large B-cell lymphoma [DLBCL] or other aggressive non-Hodgkin
lymphoma, such as primary mediastinal LBCL, high-grade B-cell lymphoma, or
follicular lymphoma grade 3B) and were at least 18 years old with a performance
status of 0 to 2. Relapsed or resistant illness, treatment with a minimum of
two previous lines of systemic therapy, including a minimum of one
anti-CD20-containing regimen, and previous failure or ineligibility for
autologous stem-cell transplantation were additional inclusion criteria.
Refractory disease was defined as progression occurring either during therapy
or within six months of therapy completion, whereas relapsed disease was
defined as recurrence occurring at least six months after therapy ended.
Patients qualified if there has been more than 30 days since their last CAR
T-cell treatment. A minimum life expectancy or an absolute leukocyte count were
not necessary. The Data Supplement provides complete inclusion and exclusion
criteria (available only online).
Subcutaneous
epcoritamab was administered to the patients using a cycle 1 step-up dosage schedule
that included a 0.16-mg priming dose once on day 1, a 0.8-mg intermediate dose
once on day 8, and full 48-mg doses once on day 15 and every day after that
until the illness progressed or the level of toxicity was intolerable.
Epcoritamab was injected weekly in cycles 1-3, every two weeks (days 1 and 15)
in cycles 4–9, and every four weeks starting in cycle 10. There was no
first-line B-cell-depleting medication used. Prednisolone 100 mg oral (or
intravenous equivalent) was given 30-120 minutes prior to each epcoritamab dose
(once daily on days 1-4 for the priming dose, once daily on days 8-11 for the
intermediate dose, once daily on days 15-18 for the first full dose, and once
daily on days 22-25 for the second full dose) as part of the prophylactic
treatment for cytokine release syndrome (CRS) during cycle 1. Moreover, on days
1, 8, 15, and 22 of cycle 1, acetaminophen 650–1,000 mg orally and
diphenhydramine 50 mg orally or intravenously (or equivalent) were given once
daily. Corticosteroids were administered with epcoritamab for four days, or
until the occurrence of resolution of CRS, if grade 2 or higher CRS was
observed following the fourth dosage of epcoritamab during cycle 1.For the
first complete dosage of epcoritamab, 24-hour inpatient monitoring was
necessary to guarantee patient safety and to further diagnose CRS.
Before the study began, the Protocol (available only online) was authorized by
institutional or central ethics committees, as well as review boards particular
to the study location. The International Council for Harmonization's E6 (R2)
recommendations on good clinical practice and the Declaration of Helsinki's
tenets were followed in the conduct of the study. Before being enrolled, all
patients read and signed informed consent papers. [12]
End Points
and Assessments [13] [14] [15] [16]
The independent review committee's (IRC) overall response rate (ORR) utilizing
the Lugano criteria was the main outcome. The following were secondary end
points: OS, progression-free survival (PFS), time to response per IRC, duration
of response (DOR), complete response (CR) rate, and length of CR. Analysis of
subgroups was predetermined. Furthermore, circulating tumor DNA was used to
measure minimum residual disease (MRD) using the clonoSEQ MRD test (Adaptive
Biotechnologies, Seattle, WA; Data Supplement). Adverse occurrences (AEs) and
test abnormalities were examples of safety end goals. The investigator
determined whether an adverse event was related to the therapy.
The
MRD evaluation, physical examination, and imaging evaluations (computed
tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and obligatory fluorodeoxyglucose
positron emission tomography) were performed at weeks 6, 12, 18, 24, 36, and
48, and then every 24 weeks after that.
The
National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, version
5.0, was used to rate the severity of AEs, while the Medical Dictionary for
Regulatory Activities, or MedDRA, version 24.1, was used to code them. American
Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy criteria were used to assess
CRS and immunological effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS).
Cairo-Bishop's criteria were used to assess cases of clinical tumor lysis
syndrome. The Data Supplement provides an overview of other evaluations, such
as pharmacokinetics, antidrug antibodies, and patient-reported outcomes.
Statistical Analysis [16]
There
were two phases to the enrollment process; the first stage included the
enrollment of 28 DLBCL patients. A preliminary study was carried out after a
maximum of twelve weeks of follow-up for about twenty-five DLBCL patients.
Since the futility ending criteria were not satisfied, a further 100 DLBCL
patients were added in the second stage of the study, up to 30 of whom had
severe non-Hodgkin lymphomas of different kinds. The percentage of patients who
experienced a partial response (PR) or the best overall response (CR) was
called the ORR. Before the start of the subsequent antilymphoma therapy, the
best overall response according to the response criteria was compiled.
IRC-assessed response according to Lugano criteria was the main method used to
analyze ORR for the whole analytic population, which included all patients who
had at least one dosage of epcoritamab. We computed the ORR and the matching
95% precise CI. PFS was defined as the amount of time from cycle 1 day 1 to the
first recorded progression of the illness or, if it happened sooner, the date
of death from any cause. Before the commencement of further antilymphoma
therapy, patients who were still alive and had not seen any illness progression
at the cutoff date were excluded at the time of the last evaluable disease
evaluation. PFS was censored on day 1 of cycle 1 for patients who were still
alive but had an incomplete or nonexistent baseline tumor evaluation.
Kaplan-Meier estimates (median time and 95% CI) were used to examine
time-to-event end points (DOR, PFS, and OS), and the number and percentage of
patients who experienced an incident or censoring were reported. The whole
analysis set (all patients who received at least one dosage of epcoritamab) was
used for efficacy analyses, and the full analysis set was also used for safety
studies. For PFS by MRD status, a groundbreaking analysis was carried out up to
cycle 3 day 1 (day 60, taking into account 6 3-day window). SAS software version
9.4 (SAS Institute, Inc., Cary, NC; Data Supplement) was used to analyze the
data.
Patients and Treatment
Exposure [16]
Enrolled
at 54 worldwide locations and treated with epcoritamab were 157 patients
between June 19, 2020, and the data cutoff date of January 31, 2022. After 106
patients had a median follow-up of 10.7 months, the study was stopped for 83
(52.9%) reasons: disease progression, 11 (7.0%) AEs, decision to undergo
allogeneic transplantation, patient withdrawal, four (2.5%), and one (0.6%) after
achieving a PR for CAR T-cell therapy. Patients had a median of three previous
lines of treatment (range: 2–11); 96 patients (61.1%) had primary refractory
illness, and 119 patients (75.6%) had not responded to two or more lines of
therapy in a row. The median interval from the first diagnosis was 19 months,
or 1.6 years. Sixty-one patients (38.9%) who had previously undergone CAR
T-cell therapy experienced progressive disease (PD) within six months of the
treatment. Epcoritamab treatment was administered to the patients for a median
of five cycles (15 doses) (range, 1-20). 51 patients (32.5%) were still taking
study therapy as of the data cutoff date, and 56.1% of them were still
receiving it during the follow-up period.
Phase 3 Clinical trials:
[17]
This
is a phase 3 worldwide, multi-center, open-label randomized study of
epcoritamab, also known as GEN313. This randomised trial aims to assess the
effectiveness of epcoritamab (GEN3013, DuoBody®-CD3xCD20) in patients with
relapsed, refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma who have not responded to or
are not qualified for high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell
transplant (HDT-ASCT) in comparison with the investigator's recommended
chemotherapy. During the trial's treatment phase, participants are not allowed
to switch up their chemotherapy.
The
medicine that will be tested in the trial is an antibody, epcoritamab, commonly
known as EPKINLY™ and GEN3013. This study's primary goal is to assess
effectiveness, as epcoritamab's safety and tolerance have previously been
investigated in human research. In order to assess this, epcoritamab will be
administered to half of the eligible subjects, while the other half will
receive chemotherapy of the investigator's choosing. Epcoritamab will be
examined in R/R DLBCL patients who did not respond to a prior autologous stem
cell transplant (ASCT) or do not match the criteria for ASCT.
Effectiveness: [18] [19]
[20] [21] [22]
Epkinly
was assessed in patients with relapsed or refractory B-cell lymphoma
participating in the open-label, multi-cohort, multicenter, single-arm EPCORE
NHL-1 (NCT03625037) experiment. The efficacy population comprised 148 patients
with high-grade B-cell lymphoma following two or more lines of systemic
therapy, including at least one anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody-containing
therapy, and relapsed or refractory DLBCL, not otherwise specified, including
DLBCL resulting from indolent lymphoma.
Overall
response rate (ORR), as defined by Lugano 2014 criteria and evaluated by an
Independent Review Committee, served as the primary efficacy outcome measure. A
complete response was obtained by 38% of patients, yielding an ORR of 61% (95%
CI: 53, 69). Based on respondents' median follow-up of 9.8 months, the
projected median response length was 15.6 months (95% CI: 9.7, not reached).
The
FDA may approve medications for severe disorders if there is an unmet medical
need and a treatment is demonstrated to have an effect on a surrogate or
intermediate endpoint that is reasonably expected to anticipate a therapeutic
benefit to patients. Epkinly is approved under this method. A Phase 3
randomized study comparing Epkinly to standard of care chemo immunotherapy
regimens in patients with relapsed or refractory DLBCL is in underway in an
effort to establish the therapeutic efficacy of the drug. The main result of
the study is overall survival.
Subcutaneous injections of EPKINLY monotherapy were
administered to patients in accordance with the following 28-day cycle
schedule:
Cycle 1: 48 mg on Days 15 and 22, 0.8 mg on Day 8, and 0.16 mg on Day 1.
Cycles 2-3: Days 1, 8, 15, and 22 of EPKINLY 48 mg
Cycles 4–9: On Days 1 and 15, EPKINLY 48 mg
Cycles 10 and up: Day 1 EPKINLY 48 mg
Figure 1: Results of Epcoritamab's effectiveness (per IRC;
Lugano criteria) in patients with LBCL. For patients with LBCL,
Displays
the best percentage change in the sum-of-product perpendicular diameters of the
target lesions. Patients who have already had CAR T-cell treatment are
indicated with asterisks.
Displays
the DOR Kaplan-Meier curve. In the DLBCL population, the results were
comparable (data not shown).
Displays
the PFS Kaplan-Meier plot. Using the Mantel-Byar technique, an ad hoc PFS
analysis revealed a hazard ratio (95% CI) of 0.11 (0.04 to 0.25) for patients
with CR against nonresponders, and 0.47 (0.26 to 0.86) for patients with PR
over nonresponders. After six weeks of therapy, thirty-six patients either had
a worsening of their condition (n = 28) or passed away (n = 8). End of data
period: January 31, 2022. CAR is for chimeric antigen receptor; CR stands for
complete response; DOR stands for duration of response; IRC stands for
independent review committee; LBCL is a large B-cell lymphoma; PD stands for
progressing disease; PFS stands for progression-free survival; PR stands for
partial response; and SD stands for stable disease.
Epcoritamab ADR: [23] [24]
[25] [26]
Cytokine
release syndrome, weariness, musculoskeletal discomfort, injection site
responses, pyrexia, stomach pain, nausea, and diarrhea are the most frequent
(≥20%) side effects. Reduced white blood cell count, reduced hemoglobin,
decreased platelet count, decreased neutrophil count, and decreased lymphocyte
count are the most frequent Grade 3 to 4 laboratory abnormalities (≥ 10%).
Cytokine
Release Syndrome (CRS)
While
receiving EPKINLY therapy, CRS is frequently seen and has the potential to be
fatal. Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, dizziness or lightheadedness,
difficulty breathing, chills, a rapid heartbeat, anxiety, headache, disorientation,
shaking (tremors), issues with balance and mobility, such as difficulty
walking, are some of the signs and symptoms of CRS.
Low quantities of blood
cells:
During
EPKINLY therapy, low blood cell counts are frequent and can potentially be
severe or life-threatening. The following low blood cell counts might be
brought on by EPKINLY:
Neutropenia
is the low count of white blood cells. Your risk of infection may rise if your
white blood cell count is low.
Low
levels of red blood cells (anemia). A low red blood cell count can lead to
fatigue and dyspnea.
Thrombocytopenia,
or low platelet levels. Anemia or bleeding issues may be brought on by low
platelet levels.
NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY [23]
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility:
Studies
on the carcinogenicity or genotoxicity of epcoritamab-bysp have not been
carried out.
To yet, no specific research has been done to assess how epcoritamab-bysp
affects fertility.
CONCLUSION
It was concluded, the FDA has allowed endorsement for Epkinly
(epcoritamab-bysp) infusion for the administration of grown-up patients with
high-grade B cell lymphoma taking after two or more lines of systemic
treatment, as well as patients with diffuse huge B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) that
has backslid or is hard-headed, unless something else famous. This incorporates
DLBCL coming about from slothful lymphoma. Epcoritamab, a bispecific
CD20-directed CD3 T-cell engager, appeared tall reaction rates and solid total
reactions in patients with backslid or hard-headed DLBCL, with sensible
unfavorable occasions.
Epcoritamab is a bispecific antibody
that targets CD20 on B-cells and CD3 on T-cells, promoting the release of
proinflammatory cytokines and the lysis of malignant B-cells. It can cause low
levels of circulating B-cells, transient elevation of cytokines, and potential
side effects such as cytokine release syndrome and immune effector
cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome. The pharmacokinetic parameters of
epcoritamab show increased exposure with higher doses and a half-life of
approximately 22 days. There are no clinically significant differences in
pharmacokinetics based on age, sex, race, mild to moderate renal impairment, or
mild hepatic impairment. Body weight may affect the concentration of
epcoritamab.
Epkinly, a drug approved under the accelerated approval
pathway, showed promising results in a trial for patients with relapsed or
refractory B-cell lymphoma, with an overall response rate of 61% and a median
duration of response of 15.6 months. A Phase 3 trial is currently underway to
confirm its clinical benefit compared to standard of care chemo immunotherapy
regimens
In conclusion, the main adverse reactions of Epcoritamab
include cytokine release syndrome, fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, injection
site reactions, pyrexia, abdominal pain, nausea, and diarrhea; while the most
common Grade 3 to 4 laboratory abnormalities are decreased lymphocyte count,
decreased neutrophil count, decreased white blood cell count, decreased
hemoglobin, and decreased platelets. Additionally, Epcoritamab can cause
cytokine release syndrome with symptoms like fever, dizziness, trouble
breathing, and low blood cell counts which can lead to an increased risk of
infection, tiredness, shortness of breath, bruising, or bleeding problems.
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22. These highlights do not include all
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injection, for subcutaneous use Initial U.S. Approval: 2023 [Internet].
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23. These highlights do not include all
the information needed to use EPKINLY safely and effectively. See full
prescribing information for EPKINLY. EPKINLYTM (epcoritamab-bysp)
injection, for subcutaneous use Initial U.S. Approval: 2023 [Internet].
dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. [cited 2024 Feb 16]. Available from: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/medguide.cfm?setid=d7836711-b677-412d-bf2d-0f7c8444103a#:~:text=Low%20blood%20cell%20counts%20are
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26. EPKINLYTM (epcoritamab-bysp)
Approved by U.S. Food and Drug Administration as the First and Only Bispecific
Antibody to Treat Adults with Relapsed or Refractory (R/R) Diffuse Large B-cell
Lymphoma (DLBCL) - Genmab A/S [Internet]. Genmab A/S. 2023 [cited 2024 Feb 16].
Available from: https://ir.genmab.com/news-releases/news-release-details/epkinlytm-epcoritamab-bysp-approved-us-food-and-drug