Epcoritamab Trial Showed Significant Cancer Benefit
AbbVie and Genmab reported that the Phase 3 EPCORE DLBCL-2 trial met its primary endpoint for lymphoma treatment.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Cancer
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Should medical systems prioritize rapid adoption of new bispecific antibody therapies for cancer patients?
AbbVie and Genmab announced positive topline results from their Phase 3 EPCORE DLBCL-2 trial, which evaluated the efficacy of the bispecific antibody epcoritamab in combination with standard R-CHOP therapy. An independent monitoring committee recommended unblinding the study after interim data confirmed a significant improvement in progression-free survival for patients.
Why it matters
The study provides a potential new treatment path for newly diagnosed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma patients, a condition that represents nearly a third of all non-Hodgkin lymphoma cases globally. By reducing the risk of disease progression or death by over half, the combination therapy aims to improve outcomes for this aggressive form of cancer.
The study achieved a hazard ratio of 0.49 for progression-free survival, with a 51% reduction in the risk of death or disease progression. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma accounts for 25-30% of all non-Hodgkin lymphoma cases worldwide.
The players
AbbVie
AbbVie is a global research-based biopharmaceutical company headquartered in North Chicago that develops therapies for complex health conditions.
Genmab
Genmab is an international biotechnology company based in Copenhagen that specializes in the creation and development of antibody-based therapeutics.
The details
The trial randomized patients with an IPI score of 2 to 5 in a 2:1 ratio to receive either subcutaneous epcoritamab plus R-CHOP or R-CHOP alone. This analysis marks the first planned efficacy review of the study, which found the treatment to be generally well tolerated.
Timeline
February 8, 2023: The EPCORE DLBCL-2 trial officially began.
October 5, 2026: AbbVie and Genmab announced positive topline Phase 3 trial results.
The Big Picture
This announcement updates the efficacy metrics established by the EPCORE DLBCL-2 trial. It marks a significant advancement in the clinical application of T-cell engaging bispecific antibodies for hematologic malignancies.
Patients and healthcare providers now have evidence that this subcutaneous antibody combination may offer superior progression-free survival compared to standard chemotherapy alone. Further updates from AbbVie and Genmab will determine the availability of this regimen in clinical practice.
The takeaway
The success of this interim analysis indicates a potential shift toward integrating bispecific antibodies into initial cancer care regimens. Patients should discuss new treatment options with their oncology teams as regulatory submissions progress.
Further reading
For more information on current treatment trends, visit the /health/diseases/cancer/ section.
More information
Review the full EPCORE DLBCL-2 trial clinical study information for technical specifications.
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Should medical systems prioritize rapid adoption of new bispecific antibody therapies for cancer patients?
