A Real-World Study of Tafasitamab for the Treatment of Relapsed or Refractory Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma in the United States.

BACKGROUND

Tafasitamab, a CD19-targeting immunotherapy, is approved in combination with lenalidomide for the treatment of adults with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (R/R DLBCL) ineligible for autologous stem cell transplant. This real-world study describes patient characteristics, treatment patterns, and outcomes associated with tafasitamab for R/R DLBCL across US practice settings.

METHODS

A retrospective physician-abstracted chart review was conducted among US adults initiating tafasitamab (with/without lenalidomide) for R/R DLBCL as part of routine clinical care. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics. Cox proportional hazards-based analyses were performed to determine baseline characteristics associated with real-world progression-free survival and overall survival.

RESULTS

Twenty-three physicians (83% community physicians) provided data on 181 patients (64% White; median follow-up since initiation, 14.7 months) meeting eligibility criteria. Most patients (72%) received tafasitamab as second-line (2L) therapy. Real-world overall response rate (95% CI) to tafasitamab was 73.5% (67.0-79.9). Median (95% CI) real-world progression-free survival and overall survival from tafasitamab initiation were 11.3 (9.8-13.6) and 24.8 (17.8-NE) months, respectively. In multivariable Cox proportional hazards-based analyses, tafasitamab use in third-line to fifth-line (3L-5L) (vs. 2L), bulky disease (vs. non-bulky), Ann Arbor Stage III-IV (vs. stage I-II), and increasing Charlson Comorbidity Index scores were determined as factors associated with increased progression risk. In addition, increasing age, tafasitamab in 3L-5L (vs. 2L), bulky disease (vs. non-bulky), and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS) ≥ 2 (vs. < 2) were associated with higher mortality risk.

CONCLUSION

This analysis of a diverse US population who received tafasitamab for R/R DLBCL predominantly in community practice settings supports the clinical benefit of tafasitamab.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: The authors have confirmed clinical trial registration is not needed for this submission.