The FDA accepted Monjuvi with Revlimid and Rituxan for follicular lymphoma, the identical mixture that introduced survivor Troy Anderson an enduring response.
The U.S. Meals and Drug Administration accepted Monjuvi (tafasitamab) together with Revlimid (lenalidomide) and Rituxan (rituximab) for adults with relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma, a call based mostly on the identical scientific trial that gave Troy Anderson his first lasting response after years of remedy.
Anderson, a survivor handled at Fred Hutch in Seattle, recalled that by his second spherical of Monjuvi he seen swollen lymph nodes shrinking in his neck, armpits and groin, all with out vital negative effects, and described the response as each quicker and gentler than his earlier therapies.
Anderson sat down for an interview with CURE.
CURE: Are you able to begin by sharing the way you have been first identified with follicular lymphoma and what that second was like for you and your family members?
Anderson: It was again in November 2019. I used to be going to my sports activities chiropractor for some again and shoulder tightness. He was engaged on me and stated, “Oh, that’s not a knot, that’s a lymph node.” Straight away I believed, “That doesn’t sound good.” He informed me I ought to in all probability get it checked out.
I didn’t waste any time — my angle has all the time been, when doubtful, there is no such thing as a doubt. Higher to get it checked and have it’s nothing than ignore it. I obtained it checked, had a biopsy, and proper round Thanksgiving I used to be identified with follicular lymphoma — non-Hodgkin kind 1/2, which is a slower-growing kind.
I used to be referred to Evergreen Medical, the place I had major care, however then transitioned to Fred Hutchinson Most cancers Analysis Middle in Seattle. If you’ve obtained Fred Hutch in your yard, why not go there?
It was undoubtedly a shock. I’d had no different signs, however it turned out I had a minimum of six lymph nodes lit up. For the primary few months, I virtually questioned if I actually had most cancers, as a result of I felt positive. Nonetheless, it was exhausting for me, my spouse — we’ve been married 25 years — and my prolonged household. We’ve had most cancers within the household earlier than, however not lymphoma, in order that was new.
It was additionally a giant transition as a result of follicular lymphoma isn’t curable at this level — however it’s extremely treatable. That was one of many first issues my medical doctors defined, which helped, however it was nonetheless a giant adjustment.
What remedy choices have been mentioned with you whenever you have been first identified?
I met with Dr. Gopal at Fred Hutch — he’s implausible, each a physician and researcher. On the time I used to be in my mid-40s, and he stated there have been many remedy choices, together with doing nothing and simply monitoring. Chemo could be wanted finally, however the aim was to delay that due to long-term negative effects.
That was a part of why I wished to be at Fred Hutch — extra alternatives for scientific trials. I wasn’t desirous to be a guinea pig, however I wished to contribute to analysis, profit myself and ideally assist others too.
We determined to start out with Keytruda. Monitoring didn’t sit effectively with me — I wished to do one thing. Keytruda really had a robust impact, shrinking issues by about 25% to 30% after one remedy, however my immune system overreacted, so I needed to cease.
From February 2020 to Could 2024, I attempted six completely different therapies, however the one that actually labored was Monjuvi, which I obtained by way of a scientific trial. That remedy melted the most cancers away after others had solely stabilized it or made small enhancements.
Earlier than beginning Monjuvi, I’d developed pleural effusion in my left lung as a result of the lymphoma had unfold there. I used to be getting chest faucets each different week — not enjoyable. Dr. Gopal stated we would have liked a remedy that might actually push the most cancers again. I had Rituxan earlier than with no impact, and my lymphoma turned out to be proof against it. So he really useful a trial with lenalidomide, Rituxan and probably Monjuvi.
After my first spherical of Monjuvi, I landed within the hospital for 10 days attributable to a nasty lung an infection — unrelated to the remedy — which delayed the following rounds. However even after lacking the intensive early cycles, I might really feel tumors shrinking shortly, with minimal negative effects. That gave me confidence I used to be on Monjuvi. When the trial unblinded later, I realized I used to be proper.
By the top, I had about an 85% discount in lymph nodes. I can’t really feel any now, and my most up-to-date scan reveals every little thing is small and steady. It’s been wonderful.
What sort of assist has made the largest distinction throughout your expertise?
Completely my spouse. We’ve gone by way of this collectively — it hasn’t been straightforward, however having a associate to share each the great and the exhausting moments with has been enormous. My prolonged household has additionally been actually supportive.
In 2022, I began remedy with a counselor, and I want I’d carried out it sooner. That’s one in every of my greatest items of recommendation: get remedy. Most cancers takes an emotional, bodily and social toll, and remedy helped me course of every little thing in a more healthy means. My spouse began remedy too, which additionally helped.
I additionally added acupuncture early on, particularly once I had adverse negative effects from Keytruda. It helped with irritation, stress and total stability. Later I labored with a naturopathic oncologist on diet and aspect impact administration, which I’d undoubtedly use once more if I ever want extra conventional chemo.
Do you might have any recommendation or a message for somebody newly identified with follicular lymphoma?
Once I was identified, I really met a number of individuals who had simply been identified with lymphoma too. For me, I selected to not make it a core a part of my identification. I’m open about it — I’ve shared my journey on social media and with my college students, who’ve been extremely supportive — however I don’t let it outline me.
My recommendation is to be intentional about the way you method it. Search assist — whether or not that’s a partner, remedy, household, mates or a neighborhood. And attempt to keep optimistic, although it sounds cliché.
For me, optimism meant specializing in what I might management and never projecting too far into the long run. Once I did, anxiousness crept in. As a substitute, I requested: What’s my subsequent step? How do I get by way of right this moment? That mindset, together with recognizing when you’ll be able to’t management issues, has been key.
A pal of mine who went by way of Hodgkin lymphoma used to say, “Trip the lightning.” That grew to become a reminder for me too — even within the hardest moments, you’ll be able to maintain going.
Transcript has been edited for readability and conciseness.
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