90Y-Epratuzumab tetraxetan entered the clinical phase as early as 1996. The first clinical studies demonstrated that repeated administration of small doses of 90Y-Epratuzumab produces high rates of durable responses in NHL patients. Apparently, these results were sufficient to allow development of the drug as a standalone treatment and all subsequent trials could demonstrate that 90Y-Epratuzumab has additional efficiency when used in combination with standard treatments (Veltuzumab, Rituxan, and R-CHOP).
Results published in 2013 from a study started in 2007 reported that adding two doses (15 mCi/m²) of 90Y-Epratuzumab to a combination of Rituximab and three cycles of CHOP chemotherapy (R-CHOP), the standard of care for patients with DLBCL, appeared to improve elderly patients’ responses to treatment. At the same time, it was also reported that 90Y-Epratuzumab given in small doses (2x 6 mCi/m²) in combination with Veltuzumab showed therapeutic activity in patients with aggressive NHL. These results from a study started in 2010 had to be confirmed upon completion of the trial. In the meantime, the drug lost industrial support and must be considered on hold.
Target/Mechanism: CD22
Leading Emitter: beta electrons (β–)