A Western Australian-led clinical trial of a new chemotherapy-free approach to treating follicular lymphoma has produced promising results.
The LEVERAGE trial is testing a new chemotherapy-free treatment approach for people newly diagnosed with advanced follicular lymphoma – the most common type of slow-growing lymphoma in the Western world.
The trial, led by Professor Chan Cheah of Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital (SCGH), investigated a combination of three medicines – obinutuzumab, venetoclax, and lenalidomide – which work in different ways to target lymphoma and harness the body’s immune system.
This phase of the trial involved 50 patients with previously untreated, advanced-stage follicular lymphoma. The results were highly encouraging, with 92% of patients responding to treatment and 86% achieving a complete response, meaning there was no detectable evidence of their lymphoma following treatment.
After a median follow-up of just over 18 months, 92% of patients remained free from disease progression at two years, and overall survival of 100%.
“LEVERAGE demonstrates the strength of Western Australia’s clinical research capability and our ability to lead investigator-initiated research with national and international relevance,” said WA Medical Research Minister, Stephen Dawson.
“WA is not simply providing access to clinical trials. Our clinicians and researchers are developing the ideas, designing the studies, and leading research that could help shape the future of blood cancer treatment.
“For Western Australian patients, this means opportunities to access innovative treatments here at home while contributing to research that could benefit patients around the world.
“Follicular lymphoma is the most common type of slow-growing lymphoma in the Western world, with hundreds of Western Australians diagnosed each year and thousands more living with the disease.
“These are highly encouraging results from a WA-led study exploring whether this lymphoma can be treated effectively without conventional chemotherapy,” he said.
