The Renoir phase 3 study investigates the efficacy of combining rituximab and lenalidomide versus rituximab alone for relapsed/refractory (R/R) follicular lymphoma in elderly patients, in whom treatment options are typically limited. Lenalidomide, known for its direct anti-tumor and antiangiogenic effects, and ability to modulate the tumor-cell microenvironment, presents a viable option, and when combined with rituximab, it has demonstrated commendable clinical efficacy and low toxicity in both untreated and R/R follicular lymphoma patients. However, the use of rituximab as a maintenance treatment in this context has not been extensively researched.
In this interview, we are joined by Dr Umberto Vitolo (Candiolo Cancer Institute, Candiolo TO, Italy) who highlights the final analysis from the Renoir phase III study, a pivotal investigation from the Fondazione Italiana Linfomi into the efficacy of combining rituximab and lenalidomide versus rituximab alone for relapsed/refractory follicular lymphoma in elderly patients. Dr Vitolo also presents the significant implications of the Renoir phase III study’s results for future treatment strategies.
The abstract entitled “Rituximab and Lenalidomide (R2) Vs Rituximab Alone As Maintenance Treatment after Chemoimmunotherapy for Elderly Patients with Relapsed/Refractory Follicular Lymphoma (FL): Final Analysis of Renoir Phase III Study of the Fondazione Italiana Linfomi (FIL)” was presented at the 65th ASH Annual Meeting and Exposition December 9-12, 2023, in San Diego, CA, USA.
Questions:
- Could you discuss the current challenges in treating elderly patients with relapsed/refractory follicular lymphoma and the potential role of rituximab and lenalidomide? (0.16)
- What were the aims, design, and eligibility criteria of the Renoir phase III study? (2.35)
- What were the key findings of the Renoir phase III study? (5.16)
- What are the most significant implications of the Renoir phase III study’s results for future treatment strategies? (10.48)
- What unanswered questions does the Renoir phase III study help address? (12.23)
Disclosures: Umberto Vitolo has a membership on an advisory board for Abbvie, Genmab and Incyte, and is part of a Speakers Bureau for AbbVie, Incyte, Roche and Gilead.
Support: Interview and filming supported by Touch Medical Media Ltd. Interview conducted by Katey Gabrysch.