Il diffuse large B-cell lymphoma represents an aggressive and complex form of blood cancer, constituting the most widespread variant of non-Hodgkin lymphoma in Italy: one in three new diagnoses of non-Hodgkin lymphoma is diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.
Treatment options have seen limited progress over the past two decades. Although a considerable percentage of patients respond positively to initial treatment, nearly 40% show no response or experience a relapse.
For these reasons, medical oncologists welcome the approval of a new drug by the Italian Medicines Agency (AIFA), polatuzumabwhich in combination with other therapies (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin and prednisone – R-CHP) rreduces the risk of disease progression, relapse or death by 27% compared to standard of care.
«Today we celebrate an important step forward in the fight against diffuse large B-cell lymphoma» he comments Maurizio Martelli, full professor and director of the Hematology Unit of the University Hospital Policlinico Umberto I of the ‘Sapienza’ University of Rome. «After almost twenty years since the introduction of new therapeutic options, the AIFA decision opens the doors to a new era of treatment for recently diagnosed patients. The combination of polatuzumab and R-CHP represents a new asset that could significantly improve outcomes and bring tangible benefits to those facing this type of aggressive lymphoma. As a scientific community, we recognize the importance of therapeutic innovation, thus offering a new perspective and contributing to improving the care and quality of life of many patients suffering from diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.”
«This new therapy, arrived after decades of attempts, increases the chances of recovery of patients with the first line of treatment, thus reducing the need to resort to second and third line therapies, which are often very burdensome and demanding for patients and for the sustainability of the healthcare system” he adds Antonello Pinto, medical director of the National Cancer Institute, ‘G. Foundation. Pascale’, IRCCS of Naples. «It is a therapeutic modality that not only reduces the risk of relapse, but also contributes to preserving and improving the quality of life of those who face this difficult challenge. This result is the result of research and incessant commitment in the field of oncology and encourages us to continue in the mission of providing increasingly effective treatments and offering concrete hope for the future.”