In a nutshell
This study looked at the safety and effectiveness of axicabtagene ciloleucel (AC; Yescarta) in the treatment of unresponsive B-cell lymphoma. Researchers found that AC is a safe and effective treatment for these patients.
Some background
B-cell lymphoma is a cancer of cells in the immune system. It is treated with medication that targets these abnormal cells. This may involve editing T-cells (another type of immune cells) in the laboratory and returning them into the patient to fight cancer. AC is a type of drug which may help to edit these T-cells. It is important to research the safety and effectiveness of this treatment.
Methods & findings
101 patients with larger B-cell lymphomas received AC in this study. Patients were followed for an average time of 27.1 months.
84 (83%) patients responded to the treatment. 59 (58%) patients had no signs of cancer after treatment. Patients continued to respond to treatment for an average of 11.1 months.
108 patients were assessed for safety after treatment. 52 (48%) patients had severe side effects. These included an abnormal response to treatment (11%) and nerve problems (32%).
The bottom line
The study concluded that axicabtagene ciloleucel is safe and effective in the treatment of unresponsive B-cell lymphoma.
The fine print
This study was partially supported by Kite Pharma, the manufacturer of axicabtagene ciloleucel.
Published By :
The Lancet. Oncology
Date :
Nov 30, 2018
