COPENHAGEN, Denmark, June 11, 2026
Genmab A/S announced new subgroup analysis results from the pivotal Phase 3 EPCORE FL-1 trial at the European Hematology Association (EHA) 2026 Congress, demonstrating that epcoritamab combined with rituximab and lenalidomide (R2) delivered consistent efficacy and a manageable safety profile across multiple patient subgroups with relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma (R/R FL). The findings reinforce the potential of the fixed-duration combination regimen as a promising treatment option for patients treated in the second-line or later setting, regardless of baseline disease risk factors or patient fitness levels.
Consistent Progression-Free Survival Benefits Across Risk Groups
The post-hoc analysis evaluated clinically relevant patient subgroups, including those categorized by Follicular Lymphoma International Prognostic Index (FLIPI) scores, progression of disease within 24 months (POD24), and overall patient fitness. Results showed that progression-free survival consistently favored the epcoritamab plus R2 combination compared with R2 alone. Hazard ratios remained below 0.3 across all major subgroups, indicating a substantial reduction in the risk of disease progression or death. These outcomes suggest that the addition of epcoritamab may provide meaningful clinical benefit regardless of whether patients present with traditionally higher-risk or lower-risk disease characteristics.
Higher Response Rates Strengthen Clinical Value of Epcoritamab
The study also demonstrated significantly improved response outcomes with the epcoritamab-based regimen. Patients receiving epcoritamab plus R2 achieved overall response rates exceeding 93% across FLIPI risk categories, compared with lower response rates observed in the standard R2 treatment arm. Complete response rates were also notably higher in all analyzed subgroups, including patients with high-risk disease features and those experiencing early relapse. The findings highlight the ability of the combination therapy to induce deep and durable responses across a broad range of follicular lymphoma patients, supporting its potential role as a transformative treatment approach in the relapsed or refractory setting.
Advertisement
Manageable Safety Profile Supports Broad Clinical Use
Safety findings remained consistent with the overall Phase 3 EPCORE FL-1 trial population, with no new safety concerns identified. While adverse events such as neutropenia and infections occurred more frequently in certain patients receiving lower lenalidomide doses, treatment efficacy remained strong and sustained. Researchers noted that lenalidomide dose modifications are routinely used in clinical practice to manage treatment-related side effects without compromising outcomes. The favorable balance of efficacy and safety observed across all patient groups further strengthens the case for incorporating epcoritamab into future treatment strategies for relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma.
Source: Genmab, press release
