Five-Year Results Confirm Genentech’s Polivy Combination Therapy as New Standard of Care for Previously Untreated Aggressive Lymphoma

December 9, 2024 |

19 min read

– Exploratory long-term follow-up analysis of the Phase III POLARIX study indicated a positive trend in overall survival in favor of Polivy in combination with R-CHP for people with first-line diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) –

– Patients treated with Polivy in combination with R-CHP required fewer subsequent treatments, potentially reducing burdens on patients and healthcare systems –

– These encouraging five-year results continue to highlight the potential of this Polivy combination to improve outcomes in first-line DLBCL, an area that previously had little advancement in nearly two decades –

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Genentech, a member of the Roche Group (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY), announced today data from a five-year follow-up of the pivotal Phase III POLARIX study evaluating Polivy^® (polatuzumab vedotin-piiq) in combination with Rituxan^® (rituximab), cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin and prednisone (R-CHP) in people with untreated diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Data were presented in an oral session at the 66th American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting and Exposition, December 7-10, 2024 in San Diego, California. This latest analysis conducted after a median follow-up of 60.9 months, includes descriptive data on primary and secondary endpoints, as well as safety results.

“POLARIX was the first trial to elevate treatment standards for frontline diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in 20 years and we are additionally encouraged by the five-year follow-up results,” said Levi Garraway, M.D., Ph.D., Genentech’s chief medical officer and head of Global Product Development. “More than 38,000 people worldwide have been treated with Polivy in combination with R-CHP and these data continue to underscore its potential to improve outcomes for people diagnosed with this aggressive lymphoma.”

Follow-up exploratory analysis after five-years indicated a positive trend in overall survival (OS) in the intent-to-treat (ITT) population in favor of Polivy in combination with R-CHP compared to Rituxan plus cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone (R-CHOP). Results showed a trend in reduction in the risk of death (HR 0.85; 95% CI: 0.63–1.15) for people with previously untreated DLBCL with the Polivy combination, an improvement on the three-year follow-up data (HR 0.94; 95% CI: 0.67–1.33). The five-year analysis of POLARIX indicates that the full difference in OS between treatment arms has yet to be observed and an additional two years of follow-up will continue.

“Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma is a notoriously challenging cancer to treat, however, Polivy in combination with R-CHP has shown to be a critical advance for patients by helping to reduce relapse and disease progression,” said Gilles Salles, M.D., Ph.D., chief of Lymphoma Service, Division of Hematological Malignancies, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York. “The survival trend seen in this follow-up analysis reinforces the potential impact of frontline treatment with Polivy in combination with R-CHP and its role as a standard of care therapy.”

In addition to the positive trend in OS, an observational analysis suggested nearly 25% fewer follow-up treatments such as radiation, systemic chemotherapy and CAR-T cell therapy were needed in patients receiving Polivy in combination with R-CHP compared to those treated with R-CHOP (38.3% versus 61.7%).

At five years of follow-up, benefits in progression-free survival and disease-free survival with Polivy in combination with R-CHP were maintained, consistent with the three-year follow-up data, reinforcing the potential of Polivy in combination with R-CHP to provide durable and lasting remissions. The latest follow-up data also showed a numerical reduction in death related to patients’ lymphoma in those treated with Polivy in combination with R-CHP compared to those treated with R-CHOP (9.0% versus 11.4%). The safety profile remains consistent with the known profiles of the individual study medicines with no new safety signals observed, reinforcing the positive benefit-risk profile of this Polivy combination.

Results from an expanded cohort of 1,000 patients including global and Chinese patients demonstrated comparability to the global ITT population.

Polivy in combination with R-CHP is currently approved for the treatment of first-line (1L) DLBCL in more than 90 countries worldwide including the U.S., countries throughout the EU, the U.K., Japan, Canada and China. Genentech continues to work with health authorities around the world to bring this treatment regimen to even more patients.

Genentech aims to offer various treatment options for DLBCL that meet the diverse needs of patients and healthcare systems. In an effort to elevate treatment standards even further, Genentech is exploring Polivy in combination with other molecules, including its bispecific antibodies. Studies include the Phase III SUNMO trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of subcutaneously administered Lunsumio^® (mosunetuzumab-axgb) in combination with intravenous (IV) Polivy versus IV Rituxan plus gemcitabine and oxaliplatin (R-GemOx) in second-line or later DLBCL, and the Phase III SKYGLO trial investigating the efficacy of Polivy in combination with R-CHP and Columvi^® (glofitamab-gxbm) versus Polivy in combination with R-CHP in 1L DLBCL.

About the POLARIX Study

POLARIX [NCT03274492] is an international Phase III, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluating the efficacy, safety and pharmacokinetics of Polivy^® (polatuzumab vedotin-piiq) plus Rituxan^® (rituximab), cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin and prednisone (R-CHP) versus Rituxan, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone (R-CHOP) in people with previously untreated diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Eight-hundred and seventy-nine patients were randomized 1:1 to receive either Polivy plus R-CHP plus a vincristine placebo for six cycles, followed by Rituxan for two cycles; or R-CHOP plus a Polivy placebo for six cycles, followed by two cycles of Rituxan. The primary outcome measure is progression-free survival as assessed by the investigator using the Lugano Response Criteria for malignant lymphoma. POLARIX is being conducted in collaboration with The Lymphoma Study Association (LYSA) and The Lymphoma Academic Research Organisation (LYSARC).

About Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is an aggressive (fast-growing) blood cancer and is the most common form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) in the U.S. While many people with DLBCL are responsive to treatment, the majority of those who relapse or are refractory to subsequent treatments have poor outcomes. DLBCL not otherwise specified is the most common category of large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL) and accounts for about 80% or more of cases. It applies to cases that do not fall into any specific disease subgroups of LBCL.

About Polivy^®(polatuzumab vedotin-piiq)

Polivy is a first-in-class anti-CD79b antibody-drug conjugate (ADC). The CD79b protein is expressed specifically in the majority of B cells, an immune cell impacted in some types of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL), making it a promising target for the development of new therapies. Polivy binds to cancer cells such as CD79b and destroys these B cells through the delivery of an anti-cancer agent, which is thought to minimize the effects on normal cells. Polivy is being developed by Genentech using Pfizer ADC technology and is currently being investigated for the treatment of several types of NHL.

Polivy U.S. Indication

Polivy is a prescription medicine used with other medicines (a rituximab product, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and prednisone) as a first treatment for adults who have moderate to high risk diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), not otherwise specified (NOS) or high-grade B-cell lymphoma (HGBL).

Polivy is a prescription medicine used with other medicines, bendamustine and a rituximab product, to treat DLBCL in adults who have progressed after at least 2 prior therapies.

Important Safety Information

Possible serious side effects

Everyone reacts differently to Polivy therapy, so it’s important to know what the side effects are. Some people who have been treated with Polivy have experienced serious to fatal side effects. Your doctor may stop or adjust your treatment if any serious side effects occur. Be sure to contact your healthcare team if there are any signs of these side effects.

Nerve problems in your arms and legs: This may happen as early as after your first dose and may worsen with every dose. Your doctor will monitor for signs and symptoms, such as changes in your sense of touch, numbness or tingling in your hands or feet, nerve pain, burning sensation, any muscle weakness, or changes to your walking pattern
Infusion-related reactions: You may experience fever, chills, rash, breathing problems, low blood pressure, or hives within 24 hours of your infusion
Low blood cell counts: Treatment with Polivy can cause severe low blood cell counts. Your doctor will monitor your blood counts throughout treatment with Polivy
Infections: If you have a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, chills, cough, or pain during urination, contact your healthcare team. Your doctor may also give you medication before giving you Polivy, which may prevent some infections
Rare and serious brain infections: Your doctor will monitor closely for signs and symptoms of these types of infections. Contact your doctor if you experience confusion, dizziness or loss of balance, trouble talking or walking, or vision changes
Tumor lysis syndrome: Caused by the fast breakdown of cancer cells. Signs include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and lack of energy
Potential harm to liver: Some signs include tiredness, weight loss, pain in the abdomen, dark urine, and yellowing of your skin or the white part of your eyes. You may be at higher risk if you already had liver problems or you are taking other medication

Side effects seen most often

The most common side effects during treatment were

Nerve problems in arms and legs
Nausea
Tiredness or lack of energy
Diarrhea
Constipation
Hair loss
Redness and sores of the lining of the mouth, lips, throat, and digestive tract

Polivy may lower your red or white blood cell counts and increase uric acid levels.

Polivy may not be for everyone. Talk to your doctor if you are

Pregnant or think you are pregnant: Data have shown that Polivy may harm your unborn baby
Planning to become pregnant: Women should avoid getting pregnant while taking Polivy. Women should use effective contraception during treatment and for 3 months after their last Polivy treatment. Men taking Polivy should use effective contraception during treatment and for 5 months after their last Polivy treatment
Breastfeeding: Women should not breastfeed while taking Polivy and for 2 months after the last dose

These may not be all the side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider for more information about the benefits and risks of Polivy treatment.

You may report side effects to the FDA at (800) FDA-1088 or http://www.fda.gov/medwatch. You may also report side effects to Genentech at (888) 835-2555.

Please see the full Prescribing Information and visit https://www.Polivy.com for additional Important Safety Information.

About Lunsumio^® (mosunetuzumab-axgb)

Lunsumio is a first-in-class CD20xCD3 T-cell engaging bispecific antibody designed to target CD20 on the surface of B cells and CD3 on the surface of T cells. This dual targeting activates and redirects a patient’s existing T cells to engage and eliminate target B cells by releasing cytotoxic proteins into the B cells. A robust clinical development program for Lunsumio is ongoing, investigating the molecule as a monotherapy and in combination with other medicines, for the treatment of people with B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas, including follicular lymphoma and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, and other blood cancers.

Lunsumio U.S. Indication

Lunsumio (mosunetuzumab-axgb) is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with follicular lymphoma whose cancer has come back or did not respond to previous treatment, and who have already received two or more treatments for their cancer.

It is not known if Lunsumio is safe and effective in children.

The conditional approval of Lunsumio is based on response rate. There are ongoing studies to establish how well the drug works.

What is the most important information I should know about Lunsumio?

Lunsumio may cause Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS), a serious side effect that is common during treatment with Lunsumio and can also be severe or life-threatening.

Get medical help right away if you develop any signs or symptoms of CRS at any time, including:

fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
chills
low blood pressure
fast or irregular heartbeat
tiredness or weakness
difficulty breathing
headache
confusion
feeling anxious
dizziness or light-headedness
nausea
vomiting

Due to the risk of CRS, you will receive Lunsumio on a “step-up dosing schedule.”

The step-up dosing schedule is when you receive smaller “step-up” doses of Lunsumio on Day 1 and Day 8 of your first cycle of treatment
You will receive a higher dose of Lunsumio on Day 15 of your first cycle of treatment
If your dose of Lunsumio is delayed for any reason, you may need to repeat the step-up dosing schedule
Before each dose in Cycle 1 and Cycle 2, you will receive medicines to help reduce your risk of CRS

Your healthcare provider will check you for CRS during treatment with Lunsumio and may treat you in a hospital if you develop signs and symptoms of CRS. Your healthcare provider may temporarily stop or completely stop your treatment with Lunsumio, if you have severe side effects.

What are the possible side effects of Lunsumio?

Lunsumio may cause serious side effects, including:

neurologic problems. Lunsumio can cause serious and life-threatening neurological problems. Your healthcare provider will check you for neurologic problems during treatment with Lunsumio. Your healthcare provider may also refer you to a healthcare provider who specializes in neurologic problems. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you develop any signs or symptoms of neurologic problems during or after treatment with Lunsumio, including:
- headache
- numbness and tingling of the arms, legs, hands, or feet
- dizziness
- confusion and disorientation
- difficulty paying attention or understanding things
- forgetting things or forgetting who or where you are
- trouble speaking, reading, or writing
- sleepiness or trouble sleeping
- tremors
- loss of consciousness
- seizures
- muscle problems or muscle weakness
- loss of balance or trouble walking
- tiredness
serious infections. Lunsumio can cause serious infections that may lead to death. Your healthcare provider will check you for signs and symptoms of infection before and during treatment. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you develop any signs or symptoms of infection during treatment with Lunsumio, including:
- fever of 100.4° F (38° C) or higher
- chest pain
- tiredness
- shortness of breath
- painful rash
- sore throat
- pain during urination
- feeling weak or generally unwell
hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). Lunsumio can cause overactivity of the immune system, a condition called hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. HLH can be life-threatening and has led to death in people treated with Lunsumio. Your health care provider will check you for HLH especially if your CRS lasts longer than expected. Signs and symptoms of HLH include:
- fever
- enlarged spleen
- easy bruising
- low blood cell counts
- liver problems
low blood cell counts. Low blood cell counts are common during treatment with Lunsumio and can also be serious or severe. Your healthcare provider will check your blood cell counts during treatment with Lunsumio. Lunsumio can cause the following low blood cell counts:
- low white blood cell counts (neutropenia). Low white blood cells can increase your risk for infection
- low red blood cell counts (anemia). Low red blood cells can cause tiredness and shortness of breath
- low platelet counts (thrombocytopenia). Low platelet counts can cause bruising or bleeding problems
growth in your tumor or worsening of tumor related problems (tumor flare). Lunsumio can cause serious or severe worsening of your tumor. Tell your healthcare provider if you develop any of these signs or symptoms of tumor flare during your treatment with Lunsumio:
- chest pain
- cough
- trouble breathing
- tender or swollen lymph nodes
- pain or swelling at the site of the tumor

Your healthcare provider may temporarily stop or permanently stop treatment with Lunsumio if you develop severe side effects.

The most common side effects of Lunsumio include: tiredness, rash, fever, and headache.

The most common severe abnormal blood test results with Lunsumio include: decreased phosphate, increased glucose, and increased uric acid levels.

Before receiving Lunsumio, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

have ever had an infusion reaction after receiving Lunsumio
have an infection, or have had an infection in the past which lasted a long time or keeps coming back
have or have had Epstein-Barr Virus
are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Lunsumio may harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant during treatment with Lunsumio
Females who are able to become pregnant:
- your healthcare provider should do a pregnancy test before you start treatment with Lunsumio
- you should use an effective method of birth control (contraception) during your treatment and for 3 months after the last dose of Lunsumio
are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if Lunsumio passes into your breast milk. Do not breastfeed during treatment and for 3 months after the last dose of Lunsumio

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

What should I avoid while receiving Lunsumio?

Do not drive, operate heavy machinery, or do other dangerous activities if you develop dizziness, confusion, tremors, sleepiness, or any other symptoms that impair consciousness until your signs and symptoms go away. These may be signs and symptoms of CRS or neurologic problems.

These are not all the possible side effects of Lunsumio. Talk to your healthcare provider for more information about the benefits and risks of Lunsumio.

You may report side effects to the FDA at (800) FDA-1088 or http://www.fda.gov/medwatch. You may also report side effects to Genentech at (888) 835-2555.

Please see Important Safety Information, including Serious Side Effects, as well as the Lunsumio full Prescribing Information and Medication Guide or visit https://www.Lunsumio.com.

About Columvi^® (glofitamab-gxbm)

Columvi is a CD20xCD3 T-cell engaging bispecific antibody designed to target CD3 on the surface of T cells and CD20 on the surface of B cells. Columvi was designed with a novel 2:1 structural format. This T-cell engaging bispecific antibody is engineered to have one region that binds to CD3, a protein on T cells, a type of immune cell, and two regions that bind to CD20, a protein on B cells, which can be healthy or malignant. This dual-targeting brings the T cell in close proximity to the B cell, activating the release of cancer cell-killing proteins from the T cell. Columvi is part of Genentech’s broad and industry-leading CD20xCD3 T-cell-engaging bispecific antibody clinical development program that also includes Lunsumio^® (mosunetuzumab), which aims to provide tailored treatment options that suit the diverse needs, preferences, and experiences of people with blood cancers and healthcare systems. Genentech is investigating Columvi as a monotherapy and in combination with other medicines for the treatment of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and mantle cell lymphoma.

Columvi U.S. Indication

Columvi (glofitamab-gxbm) is a prescription medicine to treat adults with certain types of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) or large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL) that has come back (relapsed) or that did not respond to previous treatment (refractory), and who have received 2 or more prior treatments for their cancer.

It is not known if Columvi is safe and effective in children.

The conditional approval of Columvi is based on response rate and durability of response. There are ongoing studies to establish how well the drug works.

What is the most important information I should know about Columvi?

Columvi can cause Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS), a serious side effect that is common during treatment with Columvi, and can also be serious and lead to death.

Call your healthcare provider or get emergency medical help right away if you develop any signs or symptoms of CRS, including:

fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
chills or shaking
fast or irregular heartbeat
dizziness or light-headedness
trouble breathing
shortness of breath

Due to the risk of CRS, you will receive Columvi on a “step-up dosing schedule”.

A single dose of a medicine called obinutuzumab will be given to you on the first day of your first treatment cycle (Day 1 of Cycle 1).
You will start the Columvi step-up dosing schedule a week after the obinutuzumab dose. The step-up dosing schedule is when you receive smaller “step-up” doses of Columvi on Day 8 and Day 15 of Cycle 1. This is to help reduce your risk of CRS. You should be hospitalized during your infusion and for 24 hours after receiving the first step-up dose on Day 8. You should be hospitalized during your infusion and for 24 hours after receiving the second step-up dose on Day 15 if you experienced CRS during the first step-up dose.
You will receive your first full dose of Columvi a week after the second step-up dose (this will be Day 1 of Cycle 2).
If your dose of Columvi is delayed for any reason, you may need to repeat the “step-up dosing schedule”.
If you had more than mild CRS with your previous dose of Columvi, you should be hospitalized during and for 24 hours after receiving your next dose of Columvi.
Before each dose of Columvi, you will receive medicines to help reduce your risk of CRS and infusion-related reactions.

Your healthcare provider will monitor you for CRS during treatment with Columvi and may treat you in a hospital if you develop signs and symptoms of CRS. Your healthcare provider may temporarily stop or completely stop your treatment with Columvi if you have severe side effects.

Carry the Columvi Patient Wallet Card with you at all times and show it to all of your healthcare providers. The Columvi Patient Wallet Card lists the signs and symptoms of CRS you should get emergency medical help for right away.

What are the possible side effects of Columvi?

Columvi may cause serious side effects, including:

Cytokine Release Syndrome.
Neurologic problems. Columvi can cause serious neurologic problems that may lead to death. Your healthcare provider will monitor you for neurologic problems during treatment with Columvi. Your healthcare provider may also refer you to a healthcare provider who specializes in neurologic problems. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you develop any signs or symptoms of neurologic problems, including:
- headache
- confusion and disorientation
- difficulty paying attention or understanding things
- trouble speaking
- sleepiness
- memory problems
- numbness, tingling, or weakness of the hands or feet
- dizziness
- shaking (tremors)
Serious Infections. Columvi can cause serious infections that may lead to death.