EHA 2025 | How effective is epcoritamab + R-ICE in patients with R/R DLBCL who are eligible for ASCT?

During the 30th European Hematology Association (EHA) Congress, the Lymphoma Hub was pleased to speak to Marek Trněný, Charles University, Prague, CZ. We asked, How effective is epcoritamab (epcor) + rituximab, ifosfamide, carboplatin, and etoposide (R-ICE) in patients with relapsed/refractory (R/R) diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) who are eligible for autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT)?

In this interview, Trněný shares the first efficacy and safety outcomes from the phase I/II EPCORE NHL-2 trial (NCT04663347) of epcor + R-ICE in patients with R/R DLBCL, highlighting the promising efficacy and manageable safety of this regimen. 

During the interview, Trněný shared the following key points¹:

• EPCORE NHL-2 is a phase I/II trial assessing epcor (a subcutaneous CD3×CD20 bispecific antibody) + R-ICE in patients with R/R DLBCL eligible for ASCT.

• The data cutoff date was December 18, 2024; median follow-up was 11 months. 

• 31 patients were treated; 81% had one prior therapy, and 65% relapsed within 12 months. 

• The overall response rate was 87%, and the complete response rate was 65%. 

• 65% proceeded to ASCT.

• Adverse events (AE) were manageable and consistent with the expected toxicity profile for patients treated with salvage therapy. 

• In summary, epcor + R-ICE achieved high response rates and enabled a majority of high-risk patients to proceed to ASCT. The combination shows promise as an effective, viable salvage therapy for patients with R/R DLBCL who are eligible for ASCT.

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