DLBCL treatment: New glofitamab and GemOx combination available in Italy

Medical experts in Italy have announced the availability of a new therapeutic combination for patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Based on the international Phase 3 Starglo study, the treatment combines the bispecific antibody glofitamab with GemOx chemotherapy (gemcitabine and oxaliplatin).

Clinical data indicates that this combination offers significant benefits in overall survival and progression-free survival compared to the previous standard of care, R-GemOx. Specifically, the treatment has shown a median survival of 25 months and a three-year survival rate of 47%. For patients who achieve a complete response at the end of treatment, the two-year survival rate reaches 79%.

Experts note that this fixed-duration therapy provides a predictable clinical and economic pathway, potentially reducing long-term healthcare costs by preventing more aggressive, late-stage interventions. The treatment is particularly relevant for patients ineligible for autologous transplants.

In a separate development regarding chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), Novartis has introduced ‘Vita LMC Tracker,’ a digital tool designed to help patients monitor symptoms and improve communication with clinicians to better manage quality of life.