What the study found
The study found that adding tucidinostat, an oral histone deacetylase inhibitor, to R-CHOP improved outcomes for people with newly diagnosed MYC/BCL2 double-expressor lymphoma, a type of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma marked by coexpression of the MYC and BCL2 proteins. The combination was associated with better event-free survival and a higher complete response rate than R-CHOP alone.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors conclude that this is the first trial to show benefit from an epigenetic modulator in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. They say it offers a new first-line therapeutic approach for this high-risk population.
What the researchers tested
This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 trial enrolled 423 eligible patients at 40 centers in China. Patients received either oral tucidinostat or matching placebo, together with 6 cycles of R-CHOP; those with a complete response could then receive tucidinostat or placebo maintenance for up to 24 weeks.
What worked and what didn't
Tucidinostat plus R-CHOP lowered the risk of disease progression, relapse after complete response, death, or starting new therapy for residual disease by 28% compared with placebo plus R-CHOP (hazard ratio, 0.72). The 2-year event-free survival rate was 60.3% with tucidinostat versus 50.5% with placebo, and complete response rates were 73.0% versus 61.8%. Increased toxicity was seen with tucidinostat, but it was generally manageable with supportive care.
What to keep in mind
The abstract does not describe detailed limitations beyond the reported toxicity difference. The trial was conducted in China, and the available summary does not provide subgroup results or longer-term follow-up beyond the reported median follow-up of 41.3 months.
Key points
- The trial tested tucidinostat plus R-CHOP against placebo plus R-CHOP in newly diagnosed MYC/BCL2 double-expressor lymphoma.
- Event-free survival was better with tucidinostat, with a hazard ratio of 0.72.
- The 2-year event-free survival rate was 60.3% with tucidinostat and 50.5% with placebo.
- Complete response rates were 73.0% with tucidinostat and 61.8% with placebo.
- Toxicity was higher with tucidinostat but was generally manageable with supportive care.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Tucidinostat plus R-CHOP improved event-free survival in DEL
- Authors:
- Peng-Peng Xu, Yu-Qin Song, Jian-Zhen Shen, Qing-Qing Cai, Hui Zhou, Li-Ling Zhang, Ying Xiang, Xiu-Hua Sun, Wei Yang, Zhi-Hua Yao, Hongmei Jing, Shujuan Wen, Jie Jin, Hong‐Wei Xue, Hong Cen, Kaiyang Ding, Zhengming Jin, Lu Liu, Xiaojing Xing, Lan-Fang Li, Ming Hou, Lu Liu, M Zhang, Wen‐Yu Li, Ou Bai, Ru Feng, Zun-Min Zhu, Hui-Jing Wu, Li-Ping Su, L Gao, F Li, W R Huang, Peng Liu, Yan X, Ying Zhao, Hang Su, Xielan Zhao, Rong Fu, Hong Liu, Wen-Yu Shi, Hui-Zhi Li, Bo Chen, Zhiqiang Ning, Jun Zhu, Wei-Li Zhao
- Institutions:
- Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Army Medical University, Central South University, China Medical University, China Medical University, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Chongqing Cancer Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing University, Dalian Medical University, Dalian Medical University, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, First Affiliated Hospital Zhejiang University, First Hospital of China Medical University, First Hospital of Jilin University, First People's Hospital of Foshan, Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Fudan University, Fujian Medical University, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, Hebei Medical University, Henan Cancer Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Hubei Cancer Hospital, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Jilin University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Nanchang University, Nanfang Hospital, Nantong University, Nantong University, Peking University, Peking University, Peking University, Peking University Cancer Hospital, Peking University Cancer Hospital, Peking University Third Hospital, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Qingdao University, Ruijin Hospital, Ruijin Hospital, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Shanghai Institute of Hematology, Shanghai Institute of Hematology, Shanxi Provincial Cancer Hospital, Shenzhen Chipscreen Biosciences Co., Shenzhen Chipscreen Biosciences Co., Shenzhen Chipscreen Biosciences Co., Soochow University, Southern Medical University, Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, The Affiliated Yongchuan Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tumor Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Union Hospital, Wuhan Union Hospital, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Xinjiang Medical University, Zhongshan Hospital
- Publication date:
- 2026-04-22
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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