As lymphoma cases rise in India, the urgency for innovative treatment options grows. Doctors report that lymphoma is the most common type of blood cancer, with Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) being the most aggressive form, accounting for around 25,000 new cases annually. Despite existing therapies, nearly 40% of DLBCL patients experience relapse or disease progression.
DLBCL, which primarily affects older adults, is characterized by rapid growth in lymph nodes and can involve multiple organs. The standard first-line treatment, R-CHOP, has not significantly improved outcomes in two decades, leaving many patients with limited options.
As reported by financialexpress.com, a breakthrough has emerged with the introduction of Polatuzumab, the first FDA-approved therapy for first-line DLBCL treatment in nearly 20 years. Studies indicate that Polatuzumab, used in combination with chemotherapy, reduces the risk of disease progression, relapse, or death by 27% compared to current treatments. Approximately 77% of patients treated with Polatuzumab remained progression-free for two years.
Experts highlight the critical need for early and accurate diagnosis to enhance treatment efficacy. Misdiagnosis and delays in referrals often compromise patient outcomes. Doctors advocate for adopting Polatuzumab as the new standard of care to improve survival rates and quality of life for DLBCL patients in India.