Preclinical advances in glofitamab combinations: a new frontier for non-Hodgkin lymphoma Open Access

• Glofitamab combinations with chemotherapy and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) show strong synergy in preclinical humanized lymphoma models

• Novel chemotherapy-free combinations further amplify glofitamab activity and present promising tailored alternatives to SOC treatments

T cell engagers (TCEs) are transformative therapeutics in hematological malignancies, including non-hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Initially approved for relapsed/refractory disease settings, TCEs are now explored in first-line and second-line settings, often combined with standard-of-care (SOC) treatments, including chemotherapy and anti-drug conjugates (ADCs). This study investigates glofitamab (CD20xCD3 T cell engager) combinations in preclinical humanized lymphoma models, addressing heterogeneity of tumor antigen expression, immune evasion, and T cell exhaustion. Combining glofitamab with R-CHP-Pola chemotherapy or polatuzumab vedotin demonstrated strong synergistic anti-tumor efficacy with rapid tumor regression and reduced tumor cell proliferation. Glofitamab combination with gemcitabine/oxaliplatin (GemOx) also showed strong efficacy, enhancing intra-tumor T cell number, activation and reduced exhaustion. These combinations were particularly advantageous in models with low and heterogeneous CD20 expression, facilitating rapid tumor debulking and elimination of CD20-low/negative cells. Translational studies with patient-derived PBMCs receiving glofitamab combination with chemotherapies demonstrated sustained T cell functionality throughout extended treatment cycles. Novel chemotherapy-free combinations, including CD19-4-1BBL and CD19-CD28, amplified glofitamab activity, especially in CD20 high- and homogenous-expressing tumor models, with dual co-stimulatory approaches showing synergy. Additionally, the combination with checkpoint inhibitors (PD-1/Lag3 bispecific antibody), and Treg depletion (anti-CD25) emerged as promising approaches for enhanced efficacy and to sustain T cell functionality. These findings highlight glofitamab's versatility when integrated with SOC and innovative combinations, addressing resistance and improving patient outcomes. The preclinical investigations provide a strong foundation for ongoing and future clinical trials, emphasizing the need to tailor TCE-based combination therapies to maximize efficacy while minimizing toxicity in lymphoma treatment. NCT04408638 and NCT03467373