Top of page

New treatment shows promise in follicular lymphoma

Published on: 1 February 2018

Initial results from the phase 1/2 LYMRIT-37-01 clinical trial testing betalutin.

Text that says Results

Betalutin is a new treatment that combines an antibody with a radioactive molecule to target lymphoma cells with radiation more precisely. The antibody in Betalutin binds (sticks) to CD37, which is found on several different types of B-cell lymphoma cells. LYMRIT-37-01 is a phase 1/2 trial testing different doses of betalutin and pre-doses (treatments given before betalutin) for people with low-grade (slow-growing) non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). People with follicular lymphoma, mantle cell lymphoma, marginal zone lymphoma (MALT lymphoma, nodal marginal zone lymphoma and splenic marginal zone lymphoma) and small lymphocytic lymphoma could enter this trial if they had already had treatment for their lymphoma.   

The trial is not yet complete but initial results were presented at the American Society of Hematology annual meeting in December 2017. When the trial results were analysed, 61 people had been enrolled in the trial. The most common problematic side effects were low blood counts and infections and these all improved.

The people in this trial had received an average of three previous courses of treatment and had limited treatment options. Around two-thirds of all of the people enrolled responded to treatment. The response rate was highest in people with follicular lymphoma. However, the response rate was higher for certain doses and pre-treatments, which are being explored further. The trial is still enrolling new participants. Updated results will be reported when they are available.

With thanks to Professor Tim Illidge for reviewing this article.