Which treatment makes more sense after early relapse following autologous transplant: allogeneic transplant or bispecific antibody therapy?
Both options can be considered for lymphoma that relapses shortly after an autologous stem cell transplant, but the choice depends on several factors specific to your situation.
Show Full Answer
Which treatment makes more sense after early relapse following autologous transplant: allogeneic transplant or bispecific antibody therapy?
Both options can be considered for lymphoma that relapses shortly after an autologous stem cell transplant, but the choice depends on several factors specific to your situation.
Bispecific antibody therapy is a newer immunotherapy option that has been approved for relapsed/refractory lymphoma. It works by connecting cancer cells directly to your immune cells, triggering your T cells to attack the lymphoma. Examples include epcoritamab (Epkinly) and glofitamab (Columvi).
Allogeneic stem cell transplant uses donor cells and can be effective, but carries significant risks including graft-versus-host disease, where the donated cells may attack your body's tissues. This can cause inflammation in organs like the lungs, along with other complications.
The decision between these treatments should consider:
- Your overall health and age
- How aggressive your lymphoma is
- Previous treatment responses
- Potential side effects and quality of life
Many doctors now consider bispecific antibodies as a less risky option before proceeding to allogeneic transplant, especially given the serious complications that can occur with donor transplants.
Your oncologist can help determine which approach is most appropriate based on your specific lymphoma type and medical history.
March 22