Romidepsin Shows Promise in Treating Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma

A phase 2 trial has demonstrated the efficacy of romidepsin, a histone deacetylase inhibitor, in treating peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL). The study, conducted by the Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program, enrolled 47 patients with various subtypes of PTCL, including those who had undergone stem-cell transplant. The results showed that 38% of patients experienced a complete or partial response, with a median duration of overall response lasting 8.9 months.

Key Takeaways:

• The phase 2 trial of romidepsin in patients with peripheral T-cell lymphoma demonstrated a 38% overall response rate, with 8 patients experiencing complete responses and 9 patients experiencing partial responses.
• The median duration of overall response was 8.9 months, with a range of 2-74 months.
• Common toxicities associated with romidepsin treatment included nausea, fatigue, and transient thrombocytopenia and granulocytopenia.
• Romidepsin showed clinical activity in patients with relapsed PTCL, particularly in those who had undergone stem-cell transplant.
• The histone deacetylase inhibitor romidepsin is one of a new class of agents active in T-cell lymphoma, with major and durable responses observed in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.

Statistics:

• 47 patients with PTCL of various subtypes were enrolled in the phase 2 trial.
• 38% of patients experienced a complete or partial response to romidepsin treatment.
• 8 patients experienced complete responses, and 9 patients experienced partial responses.
• The median duration of overall response was 8.9 months.
• 18 patients (38%) had undergone stem-cell transplant prior to enrolling in the trial.

Sources:

• Piekarz, RL, et al. Phase 2 trial of romidepsin in patients with peripheral T-cell lymphoma. Blood, 2011; 117(22): 5827-34.
• Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program. (n.d.). Retrieved from