FOLLICULAR LYMPHOMA
According to the American Cancer Society, about one of five lymphomas in the United States is a follicular lymphoma (FL). They are usually a slow-growing (indolent) lymphoma that occurs in adults aged 60 years and older.
MOSUNETUZUMAB-AXGB (LUNSUMIO)
Mosunetuzumab-axgb (Lunsumio) is a bispecific T-cell engager (BiTE) monoclonal antibody that creates a bridge between the T cell and the lymphoma cell, by binding to two different proteins at the same time (CD20 located on lymphoma cells and CD3 located on cytotoxic T cells). This binding triggers the release of proinflammatory cytokines and proliferation of T cells, which ultimately causes the death of the lymphoma cells.
CYTOKINE RELEASE SYNDROME
Cytokines are proteins that communicate with cells about the need for immune assistance. Cytokines are secreted by both healthy and cancerous cells. When mosunetuzumab-axgb (Lunsumio) infusion is initiated, a transient release (increase) of cytokines occurs in response to the T-cell activation, called cytokine release syndrome (CRS). The highest risk of CRS occurs during the first cycle of mosunetuzumab-axgb (Lunsumio), and typically subsides with subsequent doses. The risk is reduced by using a step-up dosing schedule and pretreatment medications. Symptoms may include serious or life-threatening reactions, including hypotension, fever, hypoxia, chills, tachycardia, and headache.
PEER-REVIEWED LITERATURE
Summary
The efficacy of mosunetuzumab-axgb (Lunsumio) was evaluated in a Phase 2, open-label, single-arm, multicenter, multicohort study in 90 adults with relapsed or refractory grade 1–3a FL who had received at least two prior therapies, including an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody and an alkylating agent. All participants had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of 0 or 1, and received a median of three prior therapies (range, 2–10). Mosunetuzumab-axgb (Lunsumio) was administered intravenously as an initial step-up dosing schedule for a median of eight cycles unless individuals experienced progressive disease or unacceptable toxicity. After eight cycles, individuals with a complete response (CR) discontinued therapy; individuals with a partial response (PR) or stable disease continued treatment up to 17 cycles, unless individuals experienced progressive disease or unacceptable toxicity.
The primary efficacy endpoints, assessed by an independent review facility, were objective response rate (ORR) (defined as CR or PR) and duration of response (DOR) (defined as the time from the initial occurrence of CR or PR to the first progressive disease or death due to any cause). The ORR was 80% (CR, 60%; PR, 20%). The median DOR was 22.8 months.
The most common adverse events were CRS (predominantly grade 1 or 2 and confined to the first cycle) (44%), fatigue (37%), and headache (31%). Grade 3–4 adverse events were reported in 51% of individuals (neutropenia or decreased neutrophil count, hypophosphatemia, hyperglycemia, and anemia). Serious adverse events were reported in 47% of individuals.
OFF-LABEL INDICATION
There may be additional indications contained in the Policy section of this document due to evaluation of criteria highlighted in the Company's off-label policy, and/or review of clinical guidelines issued by leading professional organizations and government entities.