Genmab reported positive EHA 2026 data showing epcoritamab achieved durable responses as monotherapy and with R-mini-CHOP in elderly patients with newly diagnosed DLBCL who were ineligible for standard anthracycline-based chemotherapy.
Written By: Shaik Yasmeen, PharmD
Reviewed By: Pharmacally Editorial Team
Genmab reported encouraging results from two studies evaluating epcoritamab in the first-line treatment of elderly patients with newly diagnosed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) who have limited treatment options because of advanced age or significant comorbidities.
Data presented at the European Hematology Association (EHA) 2026 Congress showed that fixed-duration epcoritamab generated durable responses both as a standalone therapy and in combination with R-mini-CHOP, supporting its potential role in a patient population often excluded from standard curative chemotherapy.
Epcoritamab Monotherapy Produces Durable Responses
Results from the Phase 2 EPCORE DLBCL-3 trial (NCT05660967) showed that epcoritamab monotherapy achieved an overall response rate (ORR) of 67% and a complete response (CR) rate of 58% among 66 newly diagnosed patients who were ineligible for anthracycline-based chemotherapy. Responses emerged rapidly, with median times to response and complete response of 1.5 and 2.2 months, respectively.
After a median follow-up of 21.9 months, median duration of response and duration of complete response were not reached. At 12 months, 67% of responses and 73% of complete responses remained ongoing. Median progression-free survival was 13 months, while overall survival had not yet been reached.
The study also showed deep molecular responses. Among evaluable responders, 92% achieved minimal residual disease (MRD) negativity, typically by Cycle 3 and sustained through treatment in most patients.
The safety profile was consistent with previous epcoritamab experience. Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) occurred in 71% of patients and immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS) in 18%, primarily during early treatment cycles. Infections occurred in 68% of patients, including 26% with Grade 3 or higher events. No febrile neutropenia or clinical tumor lysis syndrome was reported.
Epcoritamab Plus R-mini-CHOP Achieves High Response Rates
Updated findings from Arm 8 of the Phase 1b/2 EPCORE NHL-2 study (NCT04663347) further strengthened the case for epcoritamab in frontline treatment. Among 28 newly diagnosed DLBCL patients who were unsuitable for full-dose R-CHOP, epcoritamab combined with R-mini-CHOP achieved an ORR of 93% and a CR rate of 86%.
With more than two years of follow-up, median duration of response, progression-free survival, and overall survival remained unreached. Estimated two-year progression-free survival and overall survival rates were 76% and 82%, respectively.
MRD negativity was achieved in 95% of evaluable patients, including those with high-risk disease features. Investigators noted that outcomes compared favorably with historical results reported for R-mini-CHOP alone.
The most common Grade 3 or higher treatment-emergent adverse events were neutropenia (54%), serious infections (33%), and anemia (14%). Three patients discontinued treatment because of adverse events.
Addressing an Unmet Need in Elderly DLBCL
DLBCL is the most common subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, accounting for approximately 25% to 30% of cases worldwide. Although frontline chemoimmunotherapy can cure many patients, elderly individuals with frailty or multiple comorbidities often cannot tolerate anthracycline-containing regimens.
Epcoritamab is a subcutaneous CD3xCD20 bispecific antibody developed using Genmab’s DuoBody® technology. By simultaneously binding CD3-positive T cells and CD20-positive B cells, the therapy redirects immune cells to eliminate malignant B cells.
Expanding Epcoritamab into Earlier Lines of Therapy
The new findings support Genmab’s broader strategy to establish epcoritamab across earlier treatment settings. The company continues to evaluate the bispecific antibody in multiple Phase 3 studies, including combinations with R-CHOP in newly diagnosed DLBCL and additional B-cell malignancies.
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About the Writer
Shaik Yasmeen (LinkedIn) is a Pharm.D graduate with interests in clinical pharmacy, pharmacovigilance, and medical writing. She has gained experience through hospital clinical postings, patient case reviews, case presentations, and literature evaluation. Passionate about evidence-based healthcare, she is committed to creating accurate and engaging medical content while continuously expanding her professional knowledge.