ASCO: Bortezomib-based regimen shows improved outcomes for mantle cell lymphoma

A bortezomib (Velcade)-based regimen significantly improved progression free survival (PFS) and consistently improved secondary efficacy end points in previously untreated mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) patients compared to standard therapy, according to data presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting in Chicago.

Results from the primary analysis of an international, randomized phase 3 study showed treatment with a bortezomib-based combination therapy demonstrated a 59% relative improvement in the study’s primary end point of progression free survival (PFS) (24.7 vs.14.4 months; HR=0.63; P<.001) among previously untreated patients with MCL compared to treatment with a standard therapy.

The open-label, multicenter, prospective study evaluated the efficacy and safety of VELCADE-based therapy (VELCADE, rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and prednisone [VcR-CAP]) vs. the standard regimen (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone [R-CHOP]) in 487 patients with newly diagnosed stage 2, 3, or 4 MCL who were ineligible or not considered for a bone marrow transplant. An independent radiology review committee assessed the primary efficacy end point.

“The 59% relative improvement in PFS, along with the trend suggesting improved overall survival [OS] with the [bortezomib]-based regimen, has the potential to represent a significant advance in the front-line treatment of mantle cell lymphoma for some patients,” said Michael Vasconcelles, MD, global head, Takeda Oncology Therapeutic Area Unit.

According to Franco Cavalli, MD, director of the Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, this is one of the largest studies ever conducted in newly diagnosed MCL.

“The substantial improvement seen in PFS and in secondary end points, including complete response, time to next therapy, and time to progression with the [bortezomib]-based regimen in newly diagnosed mantle cell lymphoma patients, expands our understanding of [bortezomib’s] contribution to patients with MCL,” said Dr Cavalli.