Primary Phase 3 Results From the EPCORE FL-1 Trial of Epcoritamab With Rituximab and Lenalidomide (R2) Versus R2 for Relapsed or Refractory Follicular Lymphoma

Lorenzo Falchi, a lymphoma specialist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, reviews the primary results of the phase 3 EPCORE FL-1 trial in relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma. The global, randomized study compared epcoritamab plus rituximab and lenalidomide (R-squared) with R-squared alone after at least one prior line of therapy. Dr. Falchi explains the trial design, eligibility criteria, dosing schedule, and dual primary endpoints of progression-free survival and overall response rate. EPCORE FL-1 met both primary endpoints, demonstrating a marked reduction in the risk of progression or death and substantially higher response and complete response rates with the epcoritamab-based regimen. Benefits were consistent across key risk subgroups and translated into longer duration of response and delayed need for subsequent therapy. Safety findings showed increased but manageable adverse events, with low discontinuation rates. Dr. Falchi concludes that fixed-duration epcoritamab plus R-squared represents a new chemotherapy-free standard for second-line and later follicular lymphoma.