Promising results for new oral treatment in DLBCL

Treatment options for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) that has come back (relapsed) or not responded (refractory) after at least two previous courses of therapy are limited, particularly for people who have already had a stem cell transplant, or are not able to have one.

The SADAL trial tested a new oral treatment called selinexor in people with relapsed or refractory DLBCL who had already had between two and five previous courses of treatment.

Selinexor is the first drug of its kind. It works by activating pathways that lead to cell death in cancer cells.

People who took part in the trial took selinexor tablets twice a week. If necessary, they also took anti-sickness medication. They carried on taking selinexor unless their lymphoma got worse or they developed serious side effects.

Almost 3 in every 10 people who took part in the trial responded to selinexor treatment (their lymphoma shrank or disappeared completely). These responses lasted for an average of just over 9 months overall, and 23 months in people who experienced a complete response to treatment. Three people treated with selinexor improved enough to be able to undergo CAR T-cell therapy.

The most common side effects of selinexor were low blood counts, feeling or being sick, fatigue and weakness, poor appetite, bowel problems and fever. These side effects were generally reversible and manageable.

Selinexor shows promise as a potential new oral treatment for people with relapsed or refractory DLBCL who otherwise have very limited treatment options.

To find out more about clinical trials for lymphoma, or to search for a trial that might be suitable for you, visit Lymphoma TrialsLink.

7 July 2020