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EHA 2026 | Phase II atezolizumab shows durable responses in relapsed NK/T-cell lymphoma
Shinichi Makita, MD, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan, discusses the final results of a Phase II study (jRCT2031190177) of atezolizumab in relapsed/refractory (R/R) NK/T-cell lymphoma. He highlights promising response rates, particularly in patients with PD-L1-positive tumors, underscoring the potential of immune checkpoint inhibition in this rare lymphoma subtype. This interview took place at the 31st Congress of the European Hematology Association (EHA) in Stockholm, Sweden.
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Transcript
In this meeting, we presented the final analysis of our investigator-initiated Phase II trial study evaluating atezolizumab monotherapy in patients with relapsed or refractory extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma. Although the study enrolled a relatively small number of patients, we observed encouraging clinical activity. The objective response rate was approximately 54% with complete responses achieved in about one-third of patients...
In this meeting, we presented the final analysis of our investigator-initiated Phase II trial study evaluating atezolizumab monotherapy in patients with relapsed or refractory extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma. Although the study enrolled a relatively small number of patients, we observed encouraging clinical activity. The objective response rate was approximately 54% with complete responses achieved in about one-third of patients. Importantly, several of these complete responses were durable, resulting in prolonged disease control. Another important finding was the biomarker analysis. Patients with PD-L1 positive tumors appear to drive greater and more durable benefit from atezolizumab, suggesting that PD-L1 expression on tumor cells may help in identifying patients most likely to respond. Historically, treatment options after failure of L-asparaginase-containing regimens have been extremely limited, and outcomes have been poor. While larger studies are certainly needed, our results suggest that immune checkpoint inhibition with atezolizumab represents a promising treatment strategy for selected patients with relapsed or refractory extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, especially patients who are not eligible for asparaginase-containing regimens or relapsed after asparaginase-containing regimens. So looking ahead, I believe the next important step will be optimizing patient selection using biomarkers and exploring combination strategies to further improve long-term outcomes.In this meeting, we presented the final analysis of our investigator-initiated Phase II trial study evaluating atezolizumab monotherapy in patients with relapsed or refractory extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma. Although the study enrolled a relatively small number of patients, we observed encouraging clinical activity. The objective response rate was approximately 54% with complete responses achieved in about one-third of patients. Importantly, several of these complete responses were durable, resulting in prolonged disease control. Another important finding was the biomarker analysis. Patients with PD-L1 positive tumors appear to drive greater and more durable benefit from atezolizumab, suggesting that PD-L1 expression on tumor cells may help in identifying patients most likely to respond. Historically, treatment options after failure of L-asparaginase-containing regimens have been extremely limited, and outcomes have been poor. While larger studies are certainly needed, our results suggest that immune checkpoint inhibition with atezolizumab represents a promising treatment strategy for selected patients with relapsed or refractory extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, especially patients who are not eligible for asparaginase-containing regimens or relapsed after asparaginase-containing regimens. So looking ahead, I believe the next important step will be optimizing patient selection using biomarkers and exploring combination strategies to further improve long-term outcomes.
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