Editor’s Special Episode: Innovations in B-NHL

In an Editor’s Special episode of The HemOnc Pulse, Tycel Phillips, MD, sits down with an editor of Blood Cancers Today to discuss the evolving treatment landscape for B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma, including follicular lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), mantle cell lymphoma, and large B-cell lymphoma. The conversation centers on research presented during the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting.

In follicular lymphoma, data were shared from studies evaluating BCL6 degraders and the challenges of drug development in this disease subtype. In CLL, the guest discusses the ongoing debate between using doublet vs triplet regimens and examines the future role of Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) and BCL2 inhibitors in the treatment paradigm. The potential for novel combinations is considered alongside the need for durable responses and manageable toxicity.

The portion of the interview focusing on mantle cell lymphoma explores how improved patient characterization may drive better outcomes. The expert discusses the growing role of BTK inhibitor–based regimens, including those evaluated in the TRIANGLE trial and those approved by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), while raising critical questions about whether all patients benefit equally from BTK inhibitors in the frontline setting.

A significant part of the conversation is devoted to sequencing bispecific antibodies and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies. The speaker outlines key differences in utility, adverse effect profiles, and logistical feasibility across lymphoma types. CAR T-cell therapy remains the standard in relapsed large B-cell lymphoma because of its curative potential, but bispecific antibodies are gaining traction owing to their ease of use and emerging efficacy.

The episode concludes with comments on progress in lymphoma care. The expert emphasizes that while cure remains the goal, extending survival and improving quality of life are equally important. With a growing arsenal of targeted therapies, the future appears increasingly hopeful for patients living with lymphoid malignancies.